AI: Apple, Oura, and AI 'Smart Rings'. RTZ #550
I’ve been discussing Apple’s Privacy-led, ‘Apple Intelligence’ AI strategy at length, and part of its cuts through leveraging Apple devices and software ecosystem through AI enhanced hardware. Be they local AI devices like AI ‘Smart Glasses’ like Apple’s Vision Pro, AI enhanced Siri, Apple AirPods Pro with AI enhanced hearing to Apple Watches optimized for AI optimized health, wellness and fitness features.
Apple is leading its Apple Intelligence ‘Healthcare’ embedded in AI enhanced wearables, potentially beyond the Apple Watch and earphones. Apple CEO Tim Cook is adroitly managing through all the twists and turns.
It could be in the area of ‘Smart Rings’, an area led by tech startups like Oura, Samsung, and others.
“Oura could take a small step toward making blood sugar monitoring mainstream. Today, 99.9% of people who track their blood sugar probably do so because of a condition or real concern — whether that’s diabetes, prediabetes or hypoglycemia. Compare that with people who monitor their heart rate on an Apple Watch or other fitness device. Far fewer of them have an actual heart condition.”
“The question now is whether blood sugar tracking can reach that same level of mainstream use. Smart ring maker Oura Health Oy and medical device company Dexcom Inc., by way of a new agreement, are looking to find out.”
The leading glucose monitoring company Dexcom, has already made its move on Oura:
“Dexcom, which sells an over-the-counter glucose monitor called the Stelo, announced a $75 million investment in Oura last week as part of a strategic partnership. The Oura Ring can already track heart rate, sleep quality and other variables. With the new tie-up, Oura users will get glucose data from Dexcom’s devices and apps to get a more complete picture of their health.”
“Personally, I think this is a smart move by both companies. And I hope that Apple, Google, Samsung Electronics Co. and other fitness product makers speed up development of their own blood sugar tools.”
“Understanding blood sugar levels can be a major health benefit. Users can better grasp the effect of certain foods, exercise and sleep on their glucose levels. The data can also help people understand their so-called glucose curve, helping them avoid becoming at risk for diabetes over time.”
Note that these smart rings are different from the ‘retro’ time keeping Smart Rings by companies like Casio and Timex.
Apple of course has been focused on this area:
“A few weeks ago, I reported that Apple tested an in-house app that used third-party glucose meters to show the impact of food and exercise on a person’s blood sugar numbers. I don’t expect that app to ever launch. Instead, Apple will probably integrate the functionality into its Health app.”
“The company also has been working on a noninvasive monitor for blood sugar — a holy grail for the health industry. Though the Dexcom Stelo doesn’t require a prescription, it still forces people to insert it into their skin, where the tracker measures the glucose in interstitial fluid.”
Oura’s CEO of course smartly focuses on their unique advantages in a crowded field. They’ve been typically viewed as the leaders in the ‘Smart Rings’ space.
“Oura, meanwhile, deserves credit for what it’s done in the smart ring field. Its technology runs laps around the competition, and the company has created something so simple that it feels like an Apple product. As of now, Apple isn’t developing a fitness ring of its own, but there are plenty of people who would rather sleep or work out with such a device than a full-fledged watch.”
Bloomberg has a view on Apple and Oura:
“Apple should consider offering both watches and rings as part of its wearables lineup. The fastest way to do so might be by buying Oura. But with that company now valued at $5 billion, it would be the biggest acquisition in Apple’s history.”
AI enhanced Healthcare is a holy grail in this AI Tech Wave. And Apple remaions in the pole position here amongst big tech. Stay tuned.
(NOTE: The discussions here are for information purposes only, and not meant as investment advice at any time. Thanks for joining us here)
