how Apple wants to put a doctor in smartphones

Last week we saw the first alleged screenshot of the fitness-related Healthbook app that works in tandem with the iWatch, and now 9To5Mac gives us more details about the app hinting that the app is on its way to reality. The report shows several detailed screenshots said to be recreations of the Healthbook app.

Emergency Card

The app has been designed to look similar to Passbook, and if what’s seen is accurate, it could go well beyond the usual fitness tracking features. The app will serve as the hub for all things health-related. Healthbook will show you information for different categories and one can expect cards for blood work, heart rate, hydration, blood pressure, physical activity, nutrition, blood sugar, sleep, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and weight. Each one has a different colour for easy navigation.

While many of these tracking parameters are seen in most fitness apps, what’s easily the most interesting part is the blood monitoring capability of the app. It’s not yet clear how Apple intends to make this happen, but the app is said to be capable of analysing “bloodwork” that includes blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and present several blood-related data points that you would otherwise get at your doctor.

The app will also feature a centrally-located card that holds the user’s critical data to be easily seen in an emergency. The Emergency Card will reportedly hold all data including customer’s name, birth date, medication information, weight, eye color, blood type, organ donor status and location.

Looks like, Apple is aiming for a complete health app, and not just a usual fitness band. However, it is unclear how the app would source all the information. It is highly speculated that it would rely on devices like the recently patented fitness-earphones or other accessories by third-party vendors.