When Apple announced HealthKit it, the announcement came with little fanfare. Apple CEO Tim Cook touted it several times, but the feature wasn't completely baked and it never really got viral traction. After all, most people simply used the app as a pedometer on their new iPhones and there wasn't much else to it at that point.
Since the announcement, several Universities have been testing HealthKit and the ability for doctors to check patients stats remotely. According to Reuters, testing is now moving into major hospitals and Apple appears to have a leg up against any potential competitors.
Apple appears to have created the perfect platform for doctors as the iPhone has widespread adoption in the US. HealthKit will only boost Apple's very strong ecosystem in the years to come.
Since the announcement, several Universities have been testing HealthKit and the ability for doctors to check patients stats remotely. According to Reuters, testing is now moving into major hospitals and Apple appears to have a leg up against any potential competitors.
Fourteen of 23 top hospitals contacted by Reuters said they have rolled out a pilot program of Apple's HealthKit service - which acts as a repository for patient-generated health information like blood pressure, weight or heart rate - or are in talks to do so.
The pilots aim to help physicians monitor patients with such chronic conditions as diabetes and hypertension. Apple rivals Google Inc (GOOGL.O) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), which have released similar services, are only just starting to reach out to hospitals and other medical partners.
The pilots aim to help physicians monitor patients with such chronic conditions as diabetes and hypertension. Apple rivals Google Inc (GOOGL.O) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), which have released similar services, are only just starting to reach out to hospitals and other medical partners.
Apple appears to have created the perfect platform for doctors as the iPhone has widespread adoption in the US. HealthKit will only boost Apple's very strong ecosystem in the years to come.