Masimo welcomes restored Apple Watch import ban and announces discount for new Freedom smartwatch
Masimo has welcomed the reinstatement of the import ban on the Apple Watch in the US. The action began after it was found that the Apple model infringed a Masimo patent for its pulse oximetry technology. The sale of the smartwatches was initially prohibited from December 21, with a temporary stay granted a week later, allowing Apple to sell the product again for a short period. To get around the restored ban, Apple is selling its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 gadgets without the SpO2 monitoring feature.
Masimo, known for its medical technology, applies its pulse ox module in the W1 Sport wearable and will also use it in the upcoming Freedom model, shown at CES 2024. The company recently announced on X a new deal on its latest gadget, offering a $500 credit towards the Freedom watch when you purchase the Masimo W1 health watch. The credit must be redeemed before December 31st or 30 days after launch, whichever is later. First unveiled in March 2023, the Freedom is available as a Smart Health Watch or Band, building on the health-tracking features of the W1, including blood oxygen level, pulse rate, respiration rate and hydration index tracking.
It is worth noting that the W1 has FDA clearance for its medical-grade pulse oximetry sensor, while the Apple Watch does not; the new Freedom model is still awaiting approval. Also included in the new wearables are sleep and activity tracking, with further insights viewable in an accompanying app. The Masimo Freedom smartwatch is expected to retail for $999; it remains unclear precisely when the wearable will launch, with rumors suggesting it will arrive before the end of the year. Those who reserve the smartwatch in advance are also eligible for a $100 discount.
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