Apple Watch blood oxygen feature could return in America following Masimo CEO resignation
Apple Watch Blood Oxygen sensor and app measure the oxygen saturation of blood so users can better understand their overall fitness and wellness.
Due to the patent dispute between Apple and Masimo, Apple Watches sold in the U.S. cannot offer the blood oxygen measurement feature available elsewhere around the world, but now that Masimo’s CEO has resigned, there could be a potential way to resolve the matter.
Back in 2013, Apple reportedly contacted Masimo to discuss a potential collaboration between the two companies. Instead, claims Masimo, Apple used the meetings to identify staff it wanted to poach. Masimo later called the meetings a “targeted effort to obtain information and expertise.”
Apple did indeed hire a number of Masimo staff, including the company’s chief medical officer, ahead of the launch of the Apple Watch.
Masimo CEO Joe Kiano later expressed concern that Apple may have been trying to steal the company’s blood oxygen sensor technology…
However, Kiana has now resigned from the company, and been replaced by Michelle Brennan.
While neither Masimo nor Brennan have revealed the reason for this, it doesn’t seem impossible that it’s related to Kiani’s handling of the dispute. A new leader creates an opportunity for a new attitude to the matter.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple Watch’s Blood Oxygen app is a nice-to-have, not make-or-break, feature for all but a tiny subset of potential Apple Watch customers.
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