Apple may be working on some advanced medical features for its wearable devices The San Francisco Chronicle has learned. According to the publication, Apple “is heavily exploring medical devices, specifically sensor technology that can help predict heart attacks.” Apparently Tomlinson Holman, who invented THX and 10.2 surround sound, is leading the project, researching ways to predict heart attacks by studying the sound blood makes when flowing through arteries.
Holman, who developed THX movie sound technology that “consistently reproduces high-quality sound in movie theaters and homes that most closely matches the original audio mix of films,” joined Apple in 2011, to provide “audio direction” for the company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
While his focus was believed to be on iPhones and MacBooks, the exec may be working on a new technology that would be able to measure noise “turbulence” from the blood flow. Thus, the software and sensors of a device such as future iWatch generations, may predict heart attacks “by identifying the sound blood makes as it tries to move through an artery clogged with plaque,” according to a source familiar with the matter.
Apple has hired a variety of experts with medical-related backgrounds for the iWatch, with the device rumored to offer several advanced sensors to measure glucose levels, pulse, hydration levels and even oxygen levels. However, such features are yet to be confirmed by Apple.
On top of adding medical features to wearable devices, Apple may be interested in making its own cars at some point in the future, with the company having reportedly negotiated buying Tesla at some point in early 2013 – these would be new markets for Apple that would help the company grow further in the future. However, a Tesla acquisition is yet to be confirmed.
