We are always fascinated by how old products can be mixed with new technology to create a paradigm shifting product.  Withings makes a Wifi equipped electronic scale and now an iPhone (iOS) Blood Pressure Monitor (BPM).  The BPM connects to the iOS device to capture readings which are then available for tracking, graphing, and (most interestingly) uploading to electronic health record systems such as Microsoft Healthvault or Google Health.

From www.withings.com

Monitoring blood pressure is a critical activity in monitoring patients with many chronic diseases as changes can be a sign of a worsening condition.  The better medical professionals can monitor this data the better they can proactively treat patients.  While there is debate about the economic value of proactive treatments the benefit to the individual patient are without debate.

Imagining the future we can see this same idea being applied to glucose monitoring.

By matching these technologies to a mobile device the patient already owns medical professionals have an easy way to remind patients what they should do and constantly gathering the data in real-time without any additional steps for the patient.

Too often we seek entirely new ideas when trying to find innovation.  Most of the technological innovation we’ll see – especially that which will improve our lives – will be this type of hybrid technology combining existing products with the ability to think and communicate.

Original source: http://venturebeat.com/2011/01/09/smart-blood-pressure-monitor-reports-your-readings-to-iphone-video/