MASSDEVICE ON CALL — South Korean healthcare regulators are taking a closer look at Samsung’s (LON:BC94) new Galaxy S5 smartphone in order to determine whether the built-in heart rate sensor turns the phone into a medical device.
The technology giant revealed earlier this month that it would include the sensor in the new generation of its Galaxy phones and Gear smart-watches, but South Korean regulators are concerned that doctors may use the sensor for medical purposes.
If deemed a medical device, the phones would have to undergo review by the country’s Ministry of Food & Drug Safety before allowed on the market, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The review shouldn’t stall Samsung’s existing launch plans, regulators said. The review process should be nimble enough to allow Samsung to put the device on shelves on schedule in April.
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