Latest news with #healthTech
The Verge
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Verge
Whoop is reportedly replacing defective MG trackers
Users of Whoop's fitness trackers have been reporting that their Whoop MG fitness trackers are turning unresponsive, in some cases within under an hour of setting them up. Now, the company is apparently replacing the trackers, in some cases before the users even ask, TechIssuesToday reports. Launched alongside the Whoop 5.0 earlier this month, the Whoop MG (which stands for 'Medical Grade') comes with EKG capabilities and blood pressure insights and requires a premium Whoop Life subscription that's $359 per year. Users started reporting issues with the tracker almost immediately. On May 11th, a user reported in the Whoop community forum that their MG 'stopped working overnight after working for 8 hours. No green light, no bluelight nothing. It won't now pair with the app.' Others replied to say the tracker failed even sooner for them, with one person reporting that it went inert after just half an hour of use. Some also report that their 5.0 has failed. The company appears to be trying to rectify the situation by sending out replacement units, sometimes without users even asking for one, as the Reddit user who posted the screenshot above wrote further down in the thread. The same goes for a user who posted two days ago to say they got the same notification despite having not noticed any problems with their MG. Some in that thread even write that the company replaced their MGs without ever telling them it would be doing so. It's already been a troubled launch for Whoop. Earlier this month, some users were outraged when Whoop said they would need to add another 12 months onto their memberships to avoid the upgrade fee for the Whoop 5.0. Previously, users only needed to have 6 months left on their subscription to get a Whoop 4.0. The company soon walked its new terms back, posting on Reddit that those who had at least 12 months left would be eligible for an upgrade.
Android Authority
23-05-2025
- Health
- Android Authority
WHOOP's new high-end fitness tracker is just straight-up dying all over the place
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR WHOOP introduced its 5.0 and MG trackers earlier this month. A concerning number of new WHOOP MG owners have been posting about the trackers failing within hours of first use. This very public failure follows hot on the heels of WHOOP criticism for backing down from earlier upgrade promises. Earlier this month, WHOOP introduced its latest fitness trackers, announcing the WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP Medical Grade (MG). The company's screen-less solutions offer an alternative to wearables that demand a lot of user attention, so long as you're cool with the subscription-based model they require. While everything sounded fine initially, it didn't take too long for the first sign of trouble to creep up, as existing users started complaining about being charged to upgrade to the new hardware, despite earlier promises of getting it for free. As if that weren't trouble enough, today we're leaning about yet another dark cloud casting itself over the recent launch. Compared to the WHOOP 5.0, the WHOOP MG and its corresponding 'Life' subscription tier offer advanced health features like atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, blood pressure insights, and a heart screener with electrocardiogram (ECG). Understandably, a lot of the company's users found that MG option particularly appealing, and signed up right away. But it took basically no time at all before reports of problems started piling up. The crew over at Tech Issues Today has been compiling some of these user complaints, and there is absolutely no shortage of them. We hear in multiple Reddit threads, like these from users Kingmasala, SalesRep44, and ivanflo, that their brand-new trackers are just straight-up dying, either right out of the gate or within the first day or so of operation. Some users, like Mountain-Lead, have shared communication they've received from WHOOP where the company says it's proactively sending our replacement hardware, suggesting awareness of a widespread issue. Frustratingly, some seem to be getting the wrong devices, receiving the base WHOOP 5.0 instead of a direct replacement for the pricier WHOOP MG. If you're experiencing issues with your WHOOP tracker, the company offers some troubleshooting steps you can attempt, but you may ultimately need to contact support for a replacement. Just keep your fingers crossed that you get the right one sent to you, we guess. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Health Line
21-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Wearable Devices for Primary Progressive MS
Wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches can help people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis manage symptoms, track their activity, and improve their overall health. A diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) can bring on a lot of uncertainty. This chronic (long-term) condition occurs when your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, making them work less well over time. It's not clear why this condition develops. When living with PPMS, you may experience fatigue, vision changes, and weakness that can worsen over time. But each person with PPMS experiences it differently. In some, the condition gets worse quickly, and in others it progresses more slowly. Some people who have MS can remain active and mobile for years, while others may experience a significant decrease in mobility within the first few months after diagnosis. Research has found that exercise can help manage many MS symptoms and might also help improve cognitive function (thinking ability and memory). Wearable devices are a growing part of the fitness market. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), an estimated 534.6 million wearables were shipped globally in 2024 — almost 28 times the number shipped in 2014. This number is expected to grow even more by 2028, showing that wearables have become a regular part of daily life for many people. This rapid growth in the use of wearables isn't just about fitness tracking or smartwatches. People are also using wearables to monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep quality. And wearables are changing the way people living with MS can monitor their symptoms and mobility. What are wearable devices? Wearable devices are portable gadgets that allow you to track, manage, and understand your overall health. Most wearable devices sync with mobile apps or websites to track and record statistics and habits. They can monitor everything from the number of steps you take to your sleep patterns to how many calories you eat. Here are some examples of the available types of wearable devices and what they do: Fitness trackers: monitor steps, activity levels, sleep quality, and heart rate Smartwatches: combine health tracking with features such as notifications, calls, and GPS Smart rings: offer discreet tracking of sleep, heart rate, and readiness levels Wearable ECG monitors: can detect irregular heart rhythms and share results with your doctor Smart clothing or patches: track muscle activity, hydration, posture, and body temperature Wearable glucose monitors: track blood sugar levels in real time (often as part of diabetes management) Can wearable devices really help people with MS? While physical activity and mobility are important for everyone, they're especially important when you have MS. But staying active can be challenging because fatigue and loss of mobility are two of the most common symptoms of MS. People with MS might assume they're getting more or less exercise than they actually are. That's where wearables come in. These devices can help people with and without MS more accurately monitor their fitness levels. One of the advantages of wearable devices is their ability to track health goals 24/7. These devices go beyond what doctors and rehabilitation specialists see when people are in their offices for appointments. People with PPMS can share their health statistics and measures from wearable devices with their doctors, and this data may prove helpful to researchers. Some newer devices can also detect when someone has taken a hard fall. Depending on the situation, if the person doesn't get up shortly afterward, the device may notify family or emergency responders. How do I choose a wearable device? Deciding which wearable to buy is a matter of personal preference, needs, and lifestyle. But that doesn't make the decision any easier! Most are worn around your wrist, but newer options include rings, patches, and even smart clothing. Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung, and Xiaomi are considered the most successful fitness tracker and smartwatch brands. Wearable devices from these brands are known for their wide range of features and health monitoring capabilities. With so many options available, it's crucial to think about what you need from a device before choosing one. Consider your goals, preferences, and budget. You can ask yourself the following questions to find the right fit and style for you: What do you want to track? Do you want to know your daily steps, or do you want to monitor your sleep, heart rate, or stress levels? Do you prefer automatic or manual syncing? Some devices sync automatically with your smartphone or cloud accounts, while others call for manual syncing. If you're not tech-savvy, automatic syncing may be better. Do you want to be part of a community? Some trackers come with built-in social features or access to online communities for challenges and motivation. How much are you willing to spend? Costs can vary depending on accuracy, features, battery life, and brand reputation. Try to choose one that fits your preferences and your budget. Will your health insurance cover part or all of the cost or offer any discounts for using a wearable? Some insurance plans or employers may help pay for a wearable or give rewards for using one. How important are style and comfort? You'll likely be wearing the device every day, so make sure it fits well and matches your style preferences. Do you want medical-grade or casual health data? Some wearables have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for measuring heart rhythm and oxygen levels, while other devices focus more on general health. Is it compatible with your smartphone or apps? Check to make sure the device works with the operating system you use (e.g., iOS, Android, or another platform). Answering these questions can help make the decision a little easier. 'Consumer devices can measure number of steps, distance walked, and sleep quality on a continuous basis in a person's home environment. These data could provide potentially important information to supplement office visit exams.' —Richard Rudick, MD
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Which fitness trackers are the best for tracking women's health?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The best fitness trackers can be excellent accountability tools in your pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you've got an Apple Watch, a Garmin, or a FitBit, these small but powerful devices can measure everything from your step count and resting heart rate to your maximal oxygen consumption and sleep patterns. Women's Health Week This article is part of Tom's Guide's Women's Health Week — a series of content that explores how technology and the right workouts can support and empower women through every phase of life. According to a review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, women make up one of the largest groups of fitness tracker users. Many of these devices measure women-centric statistics like menstrual cycle and pregnancy information, but do they really provide women with useful insights into their own health? Or do they just collect data without any real or helpful context? Fitness trackers are wearable items, like watches and rings, that record your personal health metrics using a combination of motion sensors, optical heart rate sensors, and user information like height, weight, and age. They can measure your heart rate at rest and during exercise, the total number of steps you've taken in a day, how many calories you burn, and how many hours of deep sleep you get each night, among other metrics. Many fitness trackers will go even further to provide a deeper look into your overall wellness. Popular trackers from brands like Apple, Garmin, and Woop take the information they record and make estimates on your overall cardiovascular fitness, how much rest and recovery you need, and blood oxygen levels. Fitness trackers are relatively accurate on stats like distances walked and heart rate trends. Your readings may be a bit off based on how you wear your tracker, but for the most part, these kinds of readings are pretty spot on. Other measurements, like calories burned, can be less precise. Fitness trackers make estimates based on the data they collect, like your heart rate and activity levels, combined with objective data like your height, weight, and gender. These estimates don't account for body type or muscle mass, which can have a profound impact on the amount of calories you burn. Cardiovascular fitness measurements can also be a little far from the truth. Accurate VO2 max readings (or the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during exercise) are usually recorded using lab equipment and specific tests, whereas fitness tracker VO2 max readings are estimates based on your heart rate levels during exercise and recovery. While most fitness trackers offer menstrual cycle tracking as a primary feature, that information alone doesn't necessarily provide a full picture of women's health. A few models go well beyond menstrual cycle tracking with options to report discharge characteristics, mood shifts, and pregnancy events like baby kick counts and hiccups. Garmin fitness trackers offer some of the most detailed women's health insights. Not only can they track cycle dates and phases, but users can continue to track symptoms if periods are irregular or absent due to polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or contraceptive use. Here's how to use the menstrual tracking feature on your Garmin Watch Garmin's pregnancy tracking options are also some of the most detailed available, offering gestational age and size estimates, recommendations on prenatal nutrition and exercise, and the ability to enter blood glucose levels for management of gestational diabetes. Here's more about the Garmin pregnancy tracking feature. The Apple Watch provides a comprehensive look into women's health data as well, featuring temperature-sensing capabilities that can help determine ovulation days and fertile windows. As is the case with other fitness tracker metrics, though, these readings are just estimates. The Apple Watch also ranked highest in a recent JMIR Formative Research study among women on fitness tracker comfort, features, and motivational qualities. Fitness trackers can maximize your training potential and help you achieve a variety of health goals. Until recently, many fitness trackers focused heavily on activity and exercise without much attention to other wellness aspects. However, thanks to advances and upgrades in wearable tracker technology, fitness tracker brands have begun putting women's health needs at the forefront of their features. How to set up menstrual tracking on your Apple Watch How to sync your exercises to your menstrual cycle for better workouts Samsung Galaxy Ring is changing the game for cycle tracking — here's how
Digital Trends
17-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Acer is making a smart ring, and doing it the right way
Acer is bringing some really impressive computing gear to the Computex event in Taipei this year. From the sleek Swift Edge 14 AI that is nearly half a pound lighter than the MacBook Air to the sleek Predator Triton 14 AI gaming laptop, the company has grabbed quite a few eyeballs. What came as the biggest surprise was Acer's shift into the direction of wearables, and specifically, smart rings. At the ongoing show, the company revealed Acer FreeSense, a lightweight smart ring that looks pretty neat and comes loaded with health-sensing features, but with a welcome surprise in tow. Recommended Videos How does Acer's smart ring stand out? Acer's FreeSense doesn't require a subscription, following in the footsteps of other established players such as Amazfit, Samsung, UltraHuman, RingConn, and more. 'Users also have full access to all health data without additional subscription fees, making the FreeSense ring a practical and reliable daily wellness companion,' says Acer. It's a huge sigh of relief. Oura is one of the biggest names in the smart ring segment. Yet one of the most controversial elements of owning its smart rings is the subscription model. If you're already paying hundreds of dollars for owning the hardware, paying an extra fee for accessing the full suite of health features makes little sense. Acer's FreeSense makes sense Of course, add-on perks such as expert-driven exercise sessions often come at a premium, and that's a model even the likes of Apple have adopted for their smartwatches. But a subscription is not a must-have, neither in the wrist wearable segment, nor in the smart rings ecosystem. A few days ago, Whoop also faced a similar backlash over its subscription-based upgrade policy reversal and quickly made a course correction. What else does it offer? Acer's FreeSense smart ring weighs just over two grams and comes in seven size options. It is made out of titanium alloy with a vacuum-plated process and PVD coating on top for extra resilience. Color options on the table are rose gold in matte finish and black with glossy polish on top. The build is IP68-certified (5ATM), which means you can take it for a bath without worrying about frying its circuits. As far as health sensing chops go, it can measure heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood oxygen saturation levels. Sleep analysis is also part of the package, with stage-based breakdown and continuous tracking. Based on the biomarkers it has collected, the companion app will also offer personalized guidance and create comprehensive wellness reports, as well. Acer hasn't announced the pricing yet, but it shouldn't go far beyond the $300-400 bracket, considering the features on offer. The likes of Circular Ring 2 have already integrated ECG measurement and blood pressure sensing at an introductory asking price of $239, though the final sticker price is $549 a pop.
