Apple Watch — Redefine Possibilities

I am a user of the Apple Watch, and since it debuted, I have been amazed at what this device can do for us. I am using a Series 6 now, and my first Apple Watch is a Series 3.

I am using Series 3 to log all my runs with RunKeeper. When I switch over to Series 6, I am expanding how I am using it. I no longer use RunKeeper. Instead, I am using its native app to track my workouts. I use it to track my sleeping pattern and ensure close to 6 hours of sleep on weekdays and 7 hours over the weekends. I am also monitoring my heart rate and my blood oxygen level. I am using it to help me set my reminders on some thoughts to retain that moment and act on it later. Lastly, I hope it will not trigger my NOK and emergency services if I have a severe fall or accident.

The question is if Apple Watch can do more than these?

What if….

Specialist Clinics can use this for persistent monitoring.

With the suite of sensors available on the watch and people wearing it more than 95% of their time, this could be an excellent device for persistent monitoring. Some triggers might not be visible or significant to us, such as a change in heart rhythm, walking pattern, and blood oxygen level. But with persistent monitoring, the watch can use real-time data to match against our behavioural data to provide warnings. For example, if Pre-Warning Medical Service is available, the team can trigger an appointment for further investigation to provide preemptive treatment.

The blood oxygen level can also potentially be used to detect asymptomatic people to COVID-19 or diseases that might affect this measurement of the person. Other measurements might be on the way with the advancement of sensors.

An individual can use this to trigger Personal Safety Situation.

The device can learn the daily travelling pattern, including the active time, heart rate, stride, etc. When the watch detects an abnormality, it could alert NOK or security services in the vicinity to seek help. This is especially useful for women travelling alone. An example would be the WearSafe App.

In a potentially hostile environment, the person might not have the time to act and seek help. The basic instinct is to get away from the place as soon as possible. This could mean an elevation of heart rate and pace of walking that is out of the norm. Of course, there will be circumstances where one is chasing after someone or public transport that might cause false alarm, which needs to manage.

Companies can use this as a Wireless Key to gain Entry.

I am using Apple Watch to make wireless payments via Apply Pay. Besides scrambling the credit card, it saves me the hassle of reaching out to my wallet to take out the physical card.

Similarly, we can use Apple Watch to enter buildings without using our Access Control cards. Telsa has already provided an Apple Watch App to allow drivers from unlocking their cars. However, someone made it even better and put his self-made app for sale on App Store. These initiatives enable frictionless access to various services that we use almost daily.

Immigration can use this as a form of Biometric Identification.

Can Apple Watch act as an authenticator of biometric to enhance security to clear immigration or access to high-security areas? We are familiar with biometric using FingerPrint, Face, Iris and PalmPrint. However, how about using your Cardio Signature, which is potentially unlikely for anyone to forge?

Using an improved sensor that comes with Apple Watch, security agencies might explore workflow that utilises the onboard sensors of the Apple Watch to perform biometric functions. For example, instead of an instant snapshot of the person’s vital, the watch can provide an extended verification period for Proof of Identity. This could also include the gait analysis of the user, which might eliminate the use of costly equipment.

Summary

Apple Watch captured over 50% market share for the smartwatches.

This will push for more development and creative use of onboard sensors to perform things we might not previously think possible. Gone is the standard application we saw over the last few years, and we need a more daring view on how wearable can do things differently.

The supply chain disruptions and chips shortage might help push for a more calibrated thought on how to optimise resources to achieve the most significant improvement instead of rolling out new hardware aimlessly.