Withings always shows up at CES with futuristic health technology devices, and this year is no exception. The company’s latest gadget is the $249.95 BeamO, a so-called multi-scope that doubles as a stethoscope to measure body temperature, take an electrocardiogram, read blood oxygen levels, and monitor heart and lung health.
The device itself is similar to Withings’ other non-contact thermometers, but includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, electrodes, a digital stethoscope, and a second-generation version of Withings Thermo’s infrared temperature sensor. You’re probably better known for his PPG sensor, the green LED found in most smartwatches that measures your heart rate by shining a light on your skin. There are also electrodes on the side of the BeamO that allow electrocardiogram reading for atrial fibrillation detection.
But what’s more interesting is how Withings managed to incorporate the stethoscope into the mix. This is achieved by incorporating piezoelectric discs. The gist is that the disc captures acoustic noise from your chest and back and converts it into an electrical signal that can be read by BeamO. (This is how many electronic stethoscopes work.) The device also includes a USB-C to headphone jack adapter, so you can listen to audio before transferring it to the Withings app. Telehealth sessions can also stream audio directly to your provider.
These are all measurements that you can already take at home. You can also purchase stethoscopes, infrared thermometers, and pulse oximeters, and many smartwatches have similar single-lead ECG capabilities. Many wearables now allow you to save data to PDF and share it with your doctor. The novelty here is condensing it all into a single device that can be shared within the family.
Of course, there are several other factors at play. EKG and AFib detection capabilities are subject to FDA approval process. Withings says in a press release that BeamO is scheduled to launch in June of this year, but if I had $1 for every time a health tech company failed to meet its initial FDA clearance estimate, I would… will become a millionaire.
Withings in particular had some good luck announcing their gadgets at CES and getting FDA approval in a timely manner. The company announced the Move ECG watch at CES 2019, but the product was never actually introduced to the US. At CES 2020, we announced ScanWatch, which also has electrocardiogram testing and sleep-related SpO2 monitoring functions. However, it took nearly two years for the watch to actually be released in the United States. Meanwhile, the company announced the Withings Body Scan, a smart scale with electrocardiogram functionality, at CES 2022, but it took until August 2023 to receive FDA approval. We’re still waiting for U-Scan, the home urine testing device that Withings announced for his CES 2023.
Either way, it’s clear that Withings has invested significant resources into building its home healthcare platform over the past few years. BeamO is just the latest entry into that ecosystem. It may be some time before Withings can fully realize its telemedicine vision.