ScanWatch is available to buy in the US from today
Withings ScanWatch is available to buy in the US from today. This follows the news a few weeks ago that the device has finally received US FDA clearance.
Withings ScanWatch – yes, you can purchase it in the US
ScanWatch had snagged CE regulatory approval in 2020. This means it has been available for purchase in Europe for well over a year now.
The FDA was obviously a tougher nut to crack. The first signal that the wait is almost over came in early October. The French outfit sent out a notification to some of its users that they’ll be able to buy Withings ScanWatch soon.
Today, the company followed this up with the announcement that you can now purchase Scanwatch in the US. To sweeten the deal, Withings is throwing in a free wristband – as long as you buy before November 14th.
ScanWatch – what’s so special about it?
AFib detection
Unveiled at CES 2020, the headline feature of the hybrid is the ability to spot a serious form of irregular heart rhythm that can lead to heart failure and is a major risk for stroke. Some people who have AFib don’t have any symptoms, so the condition often goes undiagnosed. Others may experience dizziness, weakness and fatigue. It is the first of these two groups which is particularly at risk.
Scanwatch has a PPG sensor that is capable of spotting the condition. If the device suspects something is amiss, it will prompt the user to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) via the built-in electrodes by simply touching both sides of the bezel. It takes no longer than 30 seconds.
Sleep Apnea detection
Scanwatch’s other big feature is sleep apnea detection. Withings says one billion people suffer from the condition to some extent. The disorder is characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. These can last from a few seconds to minutes and they happen many times a night. Heart rate and oxygen levels are prime indicators of sleep apnea.
The timepiece can detect breathing disturbances during the night and alert the user. These are detected through a combination of sensors including medical-grade SpO2, heart rate and accelerometer (for movement and breathing frequency).
To this end, ScanWatch shines a light through the blood vessels on a user’s wrist to work out the amount of oxygen in the blood. This is similar to technology that can be found in a range of Garmin watches and that is built into some Fitbit devices. The results can be of use as an initial screen for the condition.
Interestingly, Withings provided ScanWatch to French hospitals last year for use with patients who have been diagnosed with COVID19. According to L’Obs, they used the device to monitor blood oxygen levels from home and help with research.
COVID19 infections are often accompanied with respiratory problems resulting in a fall of oxygen levels in the body. Withings had obtained an exceptional exemption from the ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products) to provide the device to certain hospitals free of charge.
Outside of that, ScanWatch has the usual sensors to help users track their activity day and night, including Connected GPS. The hybrid comes with a PMoled display and water-resistance down to 50 meters depth.
In our review, last year, we found the device is perfect for those looking for something that doesn’t look like a fitness tracker yet performs the functionalities of one. The hybrid’s strengths lie in keeping tabs on health, activity and sleep – and it does this with a touch of class. Mind you, it does not have built-in GPS (only Connected GPS), so should not be confused with a sports watch.
Where can you buy it?
The $280 device is currently only available on the Withings website and Amazon (check price). There is a 38mm iteration and a 42mm one. Both come with an impressive battery life of 30 days.
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Hey, how about making a post about Withings failing to meet their self imposed deadline of a Q2 release for scanwatch?
Covid made them stop testing. Read their site.
I think the whole continuity of the withings watch lineup is compromised, now that Firstbeat Analytics was acquired by Garmin. This is my firm belief until Withings comes out with a statement proving otherwise.
This health watch is going to be fantastic, regardless.
I’m ordering it in 7 hours, a prerelease version.
It will initially have SpO2 and Afib only on demand.
It will detect breathing disturbances during sleep, which is lawyer speak for “Sleep Apnea, but we can’t use those words until we get approval”.
The one due for release is Sept will have automatic notification of aFib and high/low HR, continuous monitoring of SpO2 during the night.
And when the study is finished, they’ll get the CE mark for sleep apnea.
This is a fantastic device, which will replace my Apple Watch 4, Vivosmart 4, Withings Sleep Mat, and overnight pulse oximeter.
Agree – it has the potential to be one of the best health watches out there.
Hi Paul, I’m supposed to have a sleep lab test but with Covid, no way. Do you find that the sleep mat works well to detect snoring? I’ve bought one but have not set it up as when i heard the watch was available in Australia yesterday, I quickly ordered that without realising that the sleep aponea part of it was not yet enabled.
I’m in a dilemma what to do as Amazon -from where I purchased the mat- said as it is unused and within the time limit for returns, i can return.
Do you think the Scan watch that is already available with sleep detection will give the same info as the mat? I’m also concerned re having it turned on on the bed all night given it is plugged into the wall.
Would appreciate your thoughts as you seem well versed in this.
Withings can estimate approval from the FDA etc. They cannot control gov’t entities though. Go light a candle and say a Hail Mary. I’m sure the co will be happy for any help in moving the process along.
Hi Paul, I’m supposed to have a sleep lab test but with Covid, no way. Do you find that the sleep mat works well to detect snoring? I’ve bought one but have not set it up as when i heard the watch was available in Australia yesterday, I quickly ordered that without realising that the sleep aponea part of it was not yet enabled.
I’m in a dilemma what to do as Amazon -from where I purchased the mat- said as it is unused and within the time limit for returns, i can return.
Do you think the Scan watch that is already available with sleep detection will give the same info as the mat? I’m also concerned re having it turned on on the bed all night given it is plugged into the wall.
Would appreciate your thoughts as you seem well versed in this.