Apple is planning to foray into health industry by creating health monitoring apps and even gadgets or baking such functionality directly into iOS 8 and the rumoured smartwatch.
According to a report published by the New York Times Jeff Williams, senior vice president of Operations at Apple, met with Margaret Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the FDA on December 13 last year to possibly discuss on medical applications, gadgets and services.
As per FDA’s public calendar other participants of the meeting were Bud Tribble, Vice President of Software Technology; Cathy Novelli, Vice President, Worldwide Government Affairs; and in-house lobbyist Tim Powderly.
A report on 9to5Mac claims that Apple is working to incorporate ‘Healthbook’ into its next iOS version that is said to have capabilities to monitor blood pressure, hydration level, heart rate, glucose level measurements among other things.
It is also said that ‘Healthbook’ will monitor and store fitness statistics such as steps taken, calories burned, and miles walked, while adding in daily caloric intake and weight tracking. Apple’s recent hire Michael O’Reilly is said to be overseeing the development of Healthbook.
Beyond data aggregation and monitoring, the app might hook into other apps such as Calendar and Reminders enabling users to keep tabs on their medication reminders.
