Google’s Wear OS platform, unlike the Apple Watch and WatchOS, wasn’t initially recognized for innovative features. However, that began to change when Google and Samsung prioritized improving health tracking capabilities in their smartwatches. According to industry research, both Galaxy and Pixel Watches are now considered some of the most accurate options on the market. With the recent partnership between Google and Masimo— the company that previously pushed Apple to remove the Blood Oxygen monitoring feature from its watches—these devices may become even more precise.
In a press release, Masimo revealed its collaboration with Google for the Wear OS platform. The company stated its goal is to deliver top-tier health monitoring solutions, enabling OEMs to develop “high-performing” smartwatches for the market. Additionally, Masimo announced plans to introduce a range of health-tracking tools, offering accurate metrics and smooth integration with Android devices.
Masimo also mentioned that the platform will soon integrate with Google apps and services, managing key internal features like “optimized hardware and software components, biosensors, and an Android smartphone companion app.” Masimo has designed, provided and tested these components in order to ensure top-tier performance and deliver a seamless user experience.
For those unfamiliar with the situation, Masimo and Apple have been entangled in multiple lawsuits, with Masimo accusing Apple of violating its patents related to Blood Oxygen sensors. The legal dispute gained significant attention earlier this year when U.S. Customs and Border Protection concluded that Apple had violated two of Masimo’s patents related to pulse oximetry. This ruling led to a temporary halt in the sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. Apple was later required to disable the Blood Oxygen monitoring features on these models through a software update.
The recently launched Apple Watch Series 10 is missing this key health feature as a result of the continued legal dispute between Apple and Masimo.
The improvements in health tracking for Wear OS devices, driven by Masimo, could pose a significant challenge for Apple moving forward. Notably, Apple analyst Mark Gurman has expressed disappointment in Apple’s delay in resolving its disputes with Masimo.
Nonetheless, this partnership marks one of the most exciting developments for Wear OS since its recent revival. It will be fascinating to see how health-tracking capabilities evolve on the platform in the coming years. What’s your take on the collaboration between Masimo and Wear OS? Drop you opinions in the comment box down underneath!
0 Comments