VivoWatch 6 Aero: Asus reveals first wearable capable of fingertip-based blood pressure and ECG measurements
A few years have passed since Asus introduced the VivoWatch 5 Aero. While the wearable took a while to come to market, it remained the only device of its kind at the time capable of taking an electrocardiogram (ECG) through a finger.
The VivoWatch 5 Aero also contained a front-mounted optical PPG sensor that could monitor blood oxygen levels and pulse transit time (PTT) in conjunction with equivalent rear-mounted sensors. The VivoWatch 5 Aero remains available to purchase over two years later, albeit at a 30% drop from its original $129.99 MSRP.
Now, Asus has shared more details about a successor, which it intends to eventually sell as the VivoWatch 6 Aero. Initially showcased in a YouTube video earlier this year, the VivoWatch 6 Aero resembles budget fitness trackers like the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 (curr. $58.99 on Amazon) on the face of it. To that end, Asus has included a small AMOLED display that meassures a mere 1.1-inches across within a 27 g body.
This time around, Asus claims that the VivoWatch Aero can take not only an ECG but also monitor blood pressure levels. Moreover, the VivoWatch 6 Aero is said to support the Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) standard. Asus stresses that the device is not a medical device, though, nor is it intended to be used to diagnose medical conditions.
Built-in GPS is onboard too, as is a 135 mAh battery rated to last up to a week between charges. Reportedly, the VivoWatch 6 Aero is 5 ATM water resistant as well; no IP rating has been offered, though. Unfortunately, Asus has not revealed pricing or availability yet.
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