Withings is the unsung hero of the world of health-focused smartwatches. The gorgeous, hybrid, watch-like Withings ScanWatch won’t go unnoticed by those fooled by the digital Apple Watch Series 8 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. has announced the next generation of his ScanWatch 2, as well as an attractive and affordable new model called the ScanWatch Light.
Both look and work very differently from their all-digital rivals, and Digital Trends spoke to Matthieu Menanteau, head of consumer products at Withings, to learn more ahead of their launch.
Introducing ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light
First, we need to review some of the key specifications and differences between the new models (again, ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light). First, let’s talk about ScanWatch 2, which has the most updates and new technology.
Case sizes are available in 38mm and 42mm, each with physical hands on the dial and a 0.63-inch grayscale OLED screen as a complication. The upper part of the dial is made of sapphire crystal, and the case and crown are made of stainless steel. On the back, there is an upgraded 16-channel PPG sensor and a new TempTech24/7 temperature sensor, and the smartwatch also features an upgraded accelerometer along with an altimeter.
You can choose the color and design. The 42mm version comes in a silver/black combination, followed by a silver/white version with integrated lugs and a more prominent flat bezel. The 38mm version has a bar-style lug design and is available in silver/white, silver/black, rose gold/sand, with a rose gold/blue model expected in the future. The strap is made of fluoroelastomer and has a stainless steel buckle.
The ScanWatch Light comes in a 37mm case only, also made of stainless steel, but with Gorilla Glass over the dial. It features the same OLED screen complication. The caseback has an accelerometer and a PPG sensor, but not the upgraded version or the TempTech24/7 sensor. The dial has no complicated second hand mechanism, and has an overall simple design. Available in silver/black, silver/white, and rose gold/sand colors. Both new ScanWatch smartwatches feature a battery that lasts 30 days on a single charge, with a 2-hour recharging time using the included charging dock. Additionally, both are water resistant up to 50 meters and compatible with iOS and Android.
New body temperature measurement method
We spoke with Menanteau a few weeks before ScanWatch 2’s launch, and he gave us a lot of insight into the new features.
“A breakthrough innovation is the reading of body temperature using what is called the TempTech24/7 sensor, a technology that combines four hardware sensors, the first of which is a classic sensor that measures skin and ambient temperature. The second is a Withings-proprietary heat flux sensor that measures the energy transfer between the watch and your body. The watch also measures your heart rate and exercise level. These four parameters help you stay on track for 24 hours. We will be able to measure body temperature 365 days a year and monitor changes during the day and night.”
The TempTech24/7 sensor was developed by Withings and Swiss technology company GreenTEG. Menanteau went on to explain why this is important.
“So that’s a breakthrough. Body temperature is one of our key vitals, but this is the first time in the world that it’s measured on the wrist 24/7, rather than skin temperature. We’re proud to be able to offer that to our customers. ,” he told Digital Trends. “We have also adapted workout algorithms and built daily life algorithms to provide a complete and comprehensive view of nighttime body temperature.”
Other important health upgrades
The TempTech24/7 sensor is important to the Withings ScanWatch 2, but what about the rest of the sensors and technology?
“We completely redesigned the optical sensor,” Menanteau continued. “Additionally, it has a new accelerometer that helps trigger activity recognition and other algorithms. We call it a high dynamic range accelerometer, but it’s more accurate. This allows it to automatically We’ve been able to increase the number of activities detected and the accuracy of detection. And last but not least, the watch has a brand new screen.”
Behind the newly updated sensor is new software to interpret the signals on your wrist.
“HealthSense has new algorithms tailored to temperature functionality and new PPG. [heart rate sensor] LED function. You can get heart rate variability (HRV) and breathing rate measurements. [We have also] New outputs enhance electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality, making it more accurate and providing more diagnostic capabilities. ”
Withings is also introducing a new cycle tracking system with ScanWatch 2.
“We are very proud to offer menstrual cycle tracking with manual logging to record the presence, absence, and symptoms of your period in just two clicks,” said Menanteau. “It syncs with the app so you can manage and track what’s going on with your body.”
What about ScanWatch Light?
If the ScanWatch 2 exceeds your needs, you might consider the Withings ScanWatch Light, but how different is it from the cheaper version? Menanteau offered more insight:
“ScanWatch Light is still made from premium materials and features premium sensors. We have now removed advanced body temperature and blood oxygen monitoring for those who do not want to monitor these biomarkers. “We want to focus on activity and sleep tracking, so we’re keeping the breathing disorder, and we’re keeping the cycle tracking feature in addition to continuous heart rate tracking,” he admitted.
FDA approved, competitive price
When Withings released the original ScanWatch, it took some time to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the US, so what’s the status of the ScanWatch 2?
“ScanWatch 2 is FDA-cleared for atrial fibrillation detection via ECG recording,” Menanteau confirmed.
The situation surrounding FDA approval is complex. While the original ScanWatch was also FDA approved for blood oxygen measurement, the ScanWatch 2 is not approved at this time and was only used to allow Withings to release the smartwatch in a timely manner. Ta. The company plans to obtain approval in the future. Menantau said he is not worried about getting approval because ScanWatch 2’s performance is better than ScanWatch. Unlike ECG components, heart rate sensors are not subject to mandatory FDA approval.
“All the key indicators are clinically tested and some are clinically validated, meaning they are FDA or CE.” [for the European Economic Area] It’s regulated and approved,” Menanteau said, clarifying concerns about accuracy and approval.
The ScanWatch 2 costs $350 or GBP 320 for either size, while the ScanWatch Light costs $250 or GBP 230. Both are scheduled to be released in October.
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