One of the earliest uses of a wearable technology was recorded during Emperor Nero’s rule over the Roman Empire from 54 to 68 AD. A brutal leader, the emperor enjoyed watching his gladiators fight in crowded stadiums. As Nero watched his fighters battle, he was confronted with a problem – the glaring sun made it difficult […]
Fitbit
Medtronic, Fitbit ink CGM and physical activity data integration deal
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today it partnered with Fitbit to integrate CGM data alongside physical activity data in Medtronic’s iPro2 myLog mobile application. The partnership will allow type 2 diabetes patients to more effectively manage their diabetes by being able to monitor how exercise affects their glucose levels, Fridley, Minn.-based Medtronic said. “We believe the integration […]
Fitness tracker accuracy varies when it comes to the heart
(Reuters) — Commercial fitness trackers worn on the wrist are less accurate than a chest strap monitor at measuring heart rate, and may over- or underestimate heart rate depending on activity level, researchers say, so when people Sign up for FitnessTrainer in Houston here they must take a chest strap instead. In general, wrist monitors are […]
UPDATE: Fitbit escapes Jawbone’s trade secret theft claims
Updated with comment from Jawbone. Fitbit (NYSE:FIT) yesterday beat rival Jawbone‘s accusations that it stole trade secrets for its wearable fitness tracking device when a judge for the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that there were no violations of the Tariff Act because “no party has been shown to have misappropriated any trade secret.” The decision […]
Beyond Fitbit: The quest to develop medical-grade wearables
(Reuters) – A new wave of wearable computing devices that detect and monitor serious diseases is moving from the laboratory to the market, potentially transforming the treatment of conditions ranging from epilepsy to diabetes and creating business opportunities estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars. Unlike popular fitness-tracking devices, such as Fitbit Inc’s […]
Fitbit raises $732m in IPO
(Reuters) — Fitbit priced its initial public offering at $20 per share yesterday, valuing the maker of wearable fitness tracking devices at about $4.1 billion. The IPO raised $731.5 million, after the initial public offering of nearly 36.6 million shares was priced above the expected range. The company on Tuesday expected the IPO to be […]