Fitbit, the leading U.S. wearable tech company, is advancing the fight against COVID-19 with a new algorithm designed to identify the virus via smartwatches—even before symptoms surface. Here's how it works.
As reported by TechCrunch on May 22, 2020, Fitbit is launching a study with North American users. Participants opt in through the Fitbit app by completing a questionnaire on past or current COVID-19 infections, symptoms, and medical history.
This data will be combined with real-time metrics from users' smartwatches, like heart rate and activity patterns. An algorithm will analyze these to spot early infection indicators. Participation is entirely voluntary, and users can exit anytime.
In a post-lockdown world, this tool could enable swift self-isolation, protecting families and communities. Early alerts might also speed up treatment, helping to reduce severe cases.
That said, Fitbit's algorithm won't replace PCR or antigen tests, which remain the gold standard—though even they aren't 100% accurate.
Smartwatches aren't certified medical devices, raising valid questions about their diagnostic reliability for COVID-19. We'll need large-scale, transparent study results to assess true efficacy.
Wearables continue pushing into health monitoring: In November 2019, reports highlighted the Apple Watch Series 6's heart issue detection capabilities. In January 2020, Withings introduced the first watch to spot sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation.
