The key to the evolution of the iPhone XS / XR is camera and machine learning. Apple Watch for Health

Apple Watch will become a device to prepare for "no way"

By the way, it's tempting to say that the iPhone is the presentation this time, but I'd like to start with the Apple Watch in the order of the presentation. In fact, the biggest impact of this announcement for me was that it felt like Apple had given an answer to the "ideal" of the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Series 4. The specs have changed considerably, and the appearance has also been renewed.However, the axis of change was in "how to use" and "likely" itself.

The new product "Apple Watch Series 4" was a big one that can be said to be a full model change for the Apple Watch for the second consecutive year, following the introduction of the cellular model last year. The display has grown by more than 30%, from "38mm" and "42mm" to "40mm" and "44mm", and it has become thinner and the impression of the appearance has changed, but the change in the contents is still more significant than that part. have.

The display size has increased, making it much easier to see. The feeling of size has changed so much that people who used 42 mm think "40 mm may be fine this time"

For example, the improved accuracy of accelerometers has made it possible to determine whether a sudden hand movement is a "slip-induced fall", a "slip-down fall", or simply a hand movement. This is a mechanism for detecting an unexpected accident and making an emergency call "as soon as possible" in the event of a serious injury.

With the sophistication of the motion sensor, it is possible to clearly distinguish "whether it is a fall or not".It was surprising that such a judgment was difficult.

The heart rate sensor has been enhanced to detect abnormally low heart rates. This is to detect abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation and, again, to take the necessary action "as soon as possible".

The handling of the heart rate sensor has been strengthened, and "abnormally low heart rate" is also detected.

The idea is the same as the ability to measure the electrocardiogram by touching the Digital Crown for 30 seconds. By providing a way to get information for doctors to deal with when a problem occurs, even in places where there is no special equipment, it will be possible to make necessary actions and decisions "as soon as possible".

Also equipped with an electrocardiogram measurement function using a digital crown.However, implementation will be after the update

When the Apple Watch first appeared in 2014, there was a part that was expected by the world to play a role of "post-smartphone", that is, "a world where you can live on a wristwatch without a phone". Of course, that was a difficult story and an over-expectation. The era when a certain topic preceded has passed, and when I noticed, it has become established as a product centered on "fitness", which is more steadily needed by many people.

On the other hand, some people may not be so interested in fitness. So what's the way to get those people to wear an Apple Watch?

That's why Apple came up with the element of being an "assistant just in case." Keep it on your wrist and use it to receive notifications from your iPhone, listen to music, and get fitness information, while recording your bio data for "help in the event of an emergency." It also works as a device to keep it ... Perhaps this is what Apple has found as a "better smartphone companion" for the Apple Watch.

What is important here is that measuring heart rate etc. is different from the amount of activity in fitness, and is different from the information for "seeing it for yourself and becoming healthy". In particular, the function of the electrocardiogram is used as a medical device "information judged by a doctor" "with the recommendation of a doctor". Therefore, it was explained that medical device certification is essential, and that FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval was obtained for the United States this time as well. Even in Japan, discussions and verification with various institutions including the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and medical personnel are necessary, and this part will not be available immediately.

The ECG function requires medical device certification and cooperation with doctors and medical institutions. Therefore, FDA approval in the United States was announced.The trend in Japan has not been disclosed, but it seems that it will proceed in the future.

Currently, the feature list on the Apple Watch product page in Japan does not list some of the features described in the United States. The reason is here. This is a kind of long-term battle, and it may take time on a yearly basis. It is necessary to keep that in mind. However, in the long run, the time will come when smart watches such as the Apple Watch will be recognized in Japan as "a device that does not make you healthy, but prepares for risks in the event of an emergency." ..

The relationship with the American medical insurance system cannot be ignored in the background of the advancement of the idea of ​​equipment as a support for health. Unlike Japan, the United States does not have universal health insurance, and medical expenses are high. Therefore, the idea of ​​maintaining good health through sports is deep-rooted, and even if the body becomes ill, it is considered "desirable as a cost burden" to invest to prevent the symptoms from becoming more serious and the treatment to be prolonged. That's why products like the Apple Watch are more acceptable than Japan.