Apple's health focus continues through the hiring of engineers with medical backgrounds. This health-centric development team may give insight on the upcoming Apple Watch 2.
Computerworld reports that experts in health sensor design, ultrasound software and physiological development have joined Apple's development team. This suggests improvements in existing sensors and potential introduction of new ones and is definitely a strong indicator of which direction the new Apple Watch is taking.
This comes in light of statements made by Apple CEO Tim Cook last November. MacRumors reports that the CEO created a buzz when was quoted as saying that does not want the Apple Watch to be subject to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval though he is not against the idea of putting other related products like apps or "something else" through the FDA.
A more in-depth report by Buzzfeed has an interview with Mr. Cook that corroborates his statement, hinting that Apple may have a separate health related project in the works.
The CEO further elaborated :"I wouldn't mind putting something adjacent to the watch through it, but not the watch, because it would hold us back from innovating too much, the cycles are too long. But you can begin to envision other things that might be adjacent to it - maybe an app, maybe something else.", Cook said during the interview.
His cryptic words shift focus away from the smartwatch but this could just be a red-herring which is a typical action the company has been known to take.
What is clear is that since November 2015, Apple has posted at least four job listings that call for biomedical engineers and lab technicians who will focus on devices that measure physiological signs. And a month before that, BuzzFeed confirms that several LinkedIn profiles with medical research and development experience have joined Apple.
One position requires the applicant to a "good understanding of non-invasive sensors used to measure biological signals" and is responsible for developing "prototype hardware for physiological measurement applications." Another position requires exeperiences designing studies that test "physiological measurement devices." The lab technician postion requires experience in biomedical or hardware engineering and health-related sensor technologies.
To keep things under control and on time, Apple is reported to be on the lookout for a project manager with a clear grasp of time frames for "human studies research".
It is yet to be determined if all hires are working for the same department as Apple's spokesperson has declined to comment on this matter.
