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iBeat: The Smartwatch That Can Save Your Life

ibeat

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, and has various devastating manifestations. It can come in the form of cardiac arrest, ischemic stroke, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and other conditions. All of these are (or can lead to) life threatening episodes. While taking good care of the body through proper nutrition and exercise, some heart issues are unavoidable and come swiftly. The only way to improve the chances of surviving an unexpected emergency like a heart attack is through life support assistance.

iBeat Smartwatch

Luckily, cutting edge technologies can continuously monitor heart health and provide assistance should an issue arise. The iBeat Heart Alert and Emergency Watch is able to gather accurate and reliable measurements about the heart, and send notifications to family, friends, and health officials if needed.

iBeat

iBeat is a technology company based in San Francisco. It is driven by the desire to allow individuals to live fully and freely without worrying about their health. With many years of combined experience, including employees that previously worked at Practice Fusion, this is a company that strives to provide reliable technology to give customers peace of mind.

The Team

  • Ryan Howard is the founder and CEO of iBeat, and previously founded Practice Fusion, the US’ largest doctor-patient platform. He is an esteemed engineer who was recognized in the Top 40 Under 40 list by the San Francisco Business Times.
  • Larry Stone is a co-founder and uses his many years of experience to design software that makes the user experience easy and enjoyable.
  • Brian Boarini is a co-founder and product director for iBeat. His work centers on effectively combining the hardware and software to make the entire product better.
  • Kristin Tinsley is tasked with the marketing of iBeat. She uses her considerable experience to build networks of trust and communication to spread awareness of this life-saving product.
  • Chris Bumgardner works as iBeat’s chief architect. He is responsible for the main technological and architectural decisions made about this watch.
  • Steven Szabados is the data scientist at iBeat, who designed the algorithms responsible for tracking heart health.
  • Andy Gilliland works as the design lead, using over 15 years of experience to make the user experience as elegant and simple as possible.

Timeline

A great deal of care and research is necessary to produce the highest quality health smartwatch on the market. The entire process is estimated to take just over a year and a half.

In November and December of 2015, the concept of iBeat was introduced and the team of qualified individuals was assembled. From February to August of 2016, the watch began to take form as its software and mechanics were designed. Notably, the famous Dr. Oz joined the team as a backer in August.

From October, 2016 to February, 2017, prototypes will be tested to ensure the technology and design work as expected. Mass production will begin in March, with the watches being shipped and delivered in the summer.

There are already over 300 backers, and the product has received more than $40 000 of its $50 000 goal.

How it Works

The watch uses the heartbeat pulse in the wrist to continuously measure how fast and steadily the heart is beating. This is the most important indicator of heart health. However, the watch records many other measurements.

It also keeps track of tissue oxygenation in order to see how effectively oxygen is being transported throughout the body. In addition, it can keep track of how much blood is reaching the body’s capillaries.

Other safety features include motion detection, which allows the watch to better understand why the body is reacting in certain ways. As well, it can detect falling, which is especially important for older individuals.

Process

The watch follows an intelligent, cautious process in order to provide the best care. Its 24/7 support team offers great peace of mind.

Firstly, the watch is constantly tracking all of the measurements listed above. If it detects abnormalities or life threatening conditions, its first course of action is to seek confirmation that the user is safe. When the answer is no, or there is no answer, the watch will immediately contact its dispatch team and relatives. There is an option to contact help (paramedics) or contacts.

In the case of an emergency, there will be a page set up with automatic updates for friends and family. Contacts added to the iBeat will even receive text messages allowing contacts to stay up-to-date on any developments.

Features

The iBeat has 3G connectivity, which means the user can stay save and connected no matter where they are. The Emergency-On-Demand features allows the user to connect with iBeat’s dispatch team with the press of a button.

The included GPS allows first responders to find unresponsive users in the case of emergency. As well, the watch is waterproof, so it can keep users safe even in the shower or pool.

Watch Design

While its main benefit is the safety and connectivity that keeps customers safe, it is also a great watch in itself. Its watch faces are easily switched to provide different colors to suit an outfit. As well, it has a soft elastic band that is secure and comfortable.

Battery

The battery will last an impressive 5-7 days of continuous use. However, the true benefit lies in the fact that it comes equipped with a portable battery pack. When the battery is running low, simply attach the magnetic battery charger to ensure a seamless user experience.

Price

Early buyers can get the iBeat for under $100, which is a remarkable discount from the anticipated full price, which runs over $450. As well, there is a free year of monitoring before a $17 monthly charge will be required to continue the monitoring.

Specs

  • Height: 14 mm
  • Diameter: 46 mm
  • Weight: 80 g
  • Display: 1.39 inches

Technology

  • Connectivity: 3G/LTE
  • Sensors: accelerometer, PPG, skin sensor
  • Battery: 400 mAh

Conclusion

Heart health should be a priority not just for older or at-risk individuals, but everyone. Constant monitoring may seem like a hindrance, but the iBeat allows customers to keep track of their cardiac health and stay connected to assistance while simply wearing a stylish watch.

For the price, the technology and the peace of mind it offers are outstanding. It is a worthwhile investment to ensure the health and safety of its users.

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Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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