Consumer electronics companies move into over-the-counter healthcare
devices
15 January 2007 Cambridge, UK. Consumer electronics companies are
exploiting the growing demand for devices and services that help people
remain trim, fit and mentally alert, according to a report by UK analysts
Wireless Healthcare. The report "eHealth And Consumer Electronics",
suggests the market for consumer electronics based therapeutic and
well-being devices and services will grow by 20% per annum and could be
worth $4 billion per annum by 2010. Wireless Healthcare highlights
developments such as Nintendo's 'Brain Age' software, which helps people
retain mental agility. Nintendo has sold 20 million of its DS units and
Brain Age has helped it break into the ageing baby boomer market — not a
demographic group that usually buys video games. The report also examines
the market for devices that reduce blood pressure and hypertension by
teaching the user to breathe correctly. These products are based on simple
ECG technology and are used as part of stress-reduction programmes. The
report identifies web sites that allow users to upload ECG data from devices
— including exercise monitors — as potential platforms for next-generation
ehealth services.
Peter Kruger, Analyst with Wireless Healthcare, said, "Some of these
services are being promoted by healthcare payers who have a vested interest
in preventative healthcare. We feel that, in the long term, these services
will disrupt the business models of incumbent healthcare providers." As
the exercise device market becomes more competitive, vendors will add
healthcare-related features to their fitness subscription-based services in
an attempt to maintain margins and increase brand loyalty. The report points
to a range of subscription-style services that support both dieting and
exercise and estimates the online well-being market could be worth up to $2
billion per annum by 2010. However, the report warns that services such as
mobile phone-based online dieting will not maintain growth without support
from established players in the diet management sector. The report is
available from
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