It’s no surprise that technology increasingly affects every area of our lives, from the office to the kitchen. As for health care, we’re familiar with the expensive equipment doctors use to monitor the condition of our bodies and provide the highest level of treatment.
In the future, though, it appears health care will become increasingly personalized—and affordable. The San Jose Mercury News reported this summer that the federal Affordable Care Act emphasizes data-driven medical care, which is pushing technology companies to research incredible new devices that could help each of us live smarter, healthier and happier.
Here are some of the innovative concepts in development, as described in the news article. Consider how some of these products might complement your family’s home care experience in the future. Click here to read the complete report from the San Jose Mercury News.
Health app: This Apple product tracks users’ heart rate, sleeping patterns and more.
Health Kit: An online platform that stores health information from multiple devices and shares it with a person’s doctor or health system (also from Apple).
Fit: A system with tools and storage for health data, built by Google.
Smart contact lens: In development at Google’s X division, the device would monitor its user’s glucose level.
Doctor on Demand: A company that provides of online video consultations for consumers, supported by Google Ventures.
Flatiron Health: This startup, also backed by Google Ventures, aims to gather helpful clues about cancer by comparing data held by treatment providers and researchers.