Connect with us

News

CES: Philips Highlights Cloud-Based Innovations at Forefront of Digital Health

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Philips is showcasing innovative connected health products and solutions that empower consumers to become ever-more engaged in their health at the ongoing CES 2017.

Leveraging Philips’ expertise in the consumer and professional healthcare domains, and the advanced analytics and computing power of the company’s secure HealthSuite cloud platform, these new connected digital health products and services further illustrate Philips’ commitment to delivering meaningful innovations for every stage of life – from birth to healthy living and healthy aging.

“The personal and professional healthcare worlds are converging, with traditional models of care being challenged at every turn, and connected digital technology is now the key to empowering consumers to take care of their health and that of their loved ones,” said Pieter Nota, CEO Personal Health Businesses and Chief Marketing Officer, Royal Philips. “In areas such as oral health, mother and child care, sleep and respiratory care, heart health, and home monitoring, Philips is showcasing its ecosystem of connected products and services at CES, once again demonstrating its leadership in the world of digital health.”

Philips’ new consumer health products and services are powered by the Philips HealthSuite cloud, allowing consumers to combine their health data and use it in smarter and more meaningful ways to support a healthier lifestyle, manage their health conditions and connect and share data with their healthcare professionals.

Key product innovations being showcased at CES 2017 include:
Philips Avent uGrow(1) digital parenting platform – Designed to help new parents understand and support their baby’s healthy development, the uGrow app connects wirelessly to the Philips Avent smart baby monitor and smart ear thermometer as well as collating manually inputted data such as feeding and sleeping patterns.

Recognizing that every baby is unique, the uGrow ecosystem creates a highly personalized supportive environment around babies and their parents, with the interactive app providing featured articles based on insight from a panel of breastfeeding, sleep and developmental psychology experts.

Planned integration of new Philips’ devices into uGrow include Philips’ connected Smart Baby Bottle Sleeve, which monitors milk temperature and consumed volume, a connected air purifier to monitor air quality and the Hue lighting system to create a relaxing soothing environment. Inputting data and tracking information into uGrow will soon be easier with the addition of Amazon Echo voice activation.

Philips Avent uGrow has been selected as a CES 2017 Innovation Award HONOREE in the ‘Tech For A Better World’ product category.

Philips DreamStation Go portable CPAP technology
Compact, lightweight and slim enough to pack in a carry-on flight bag or briefcase, Philips’ soon-to-be released DreamStation Go means users never have to miss out on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy when traveling.

An optional re-chargeable battery pack allows for ‘off-the-grid’ use during adventure travel such as hiking, fishing and camping.

The device is designed for easy screening while moving through airport security. Following Philips’ tradition of making CPAP therapy more comfortable, unobtrusive and easy to use, the DreamStation Go features micro-flexible tubing with a modern, stylish design and user interface.

Like Philips’ other CPAP solutions, it wirelessly connects to the Philips DreamMapper mobile app, providing users with daily progress reports, goal tracking, tips and reminders to help them stay on track with therapy.

As a global leader in sleep therapy solutions, Philips has a long history of innovation in both devices and informatics solutions to help people improve sleep and ultimately live a healthier life.

Philips Heart Health program – Philips Heart Health program is an app-based behavior change program aimed at reducing lifestyle-induced risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults.

It provides users with a personalized plan, based on medical guidelines and their health profile, that coaches them to increase their physical activity levels, adopt a healthy diet, achieve better sleep, recognize stress triggers and achieve a healthy weight.

Clinically validated measurements from an ecosystem of medical grade connected health devices, such as the Philips health watch, help users in their everyday decision making. Psychology-based step-by-step behavior change and lifestyle coaching keeps them motivated and committed to their heart health journey.

Philips digital oral care management platform – With the introduction of the new Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected toothbrush and the Philips Sonicare Breath care system, Philips offers unique connected technologies and services to inspire and empower people to take better care of their oral health in one platform.

The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected toothbrush uses unique smart sensor technology inside the toothbrush and personalized coaching to help improve brushing technique, while the Philips Sonicare Breath care system, featuring our new connected Breath analyzer, measures, tracks and helps users improve their breath quality and oral care habits.

Both products seamlessly sync with the Philips Sonicare app, giving users data and guidance to empower them to proactively manage and improve their oral health.

The Philips Sonicare app is now a ‘virtual hub’ for personal oral healthcare, enabling users to manage their brushing and breath quality on a daily basis, share results with their dental practitioners, and have personalized guidance and advice at their fingertips.

The Philips Sonicare Flexcare Platinum Connected toothbrush has been selected as a CES 2017 Innovation Award honoree in the ‘Fitness, Sports and Biotech’ product category.

Furthermore, Daimler and Philips have entered a strategic partnership regarding the “Mercedes-Benz Fit & Healthy” project to provide drivers with essential information about their health – in-car and beyond. The Philips Health Watch enables drivers to monitor their key health indicators, such as heart rate.

“This in-car(2) health and safety feature takes continuous health monitoring to the next level, meaning people can review their data and adjust their driving as necessary – for example, taking a break if distress is detected.

“This could transform the car into the ultimate mobility and wellbeing device. As the world leaders in health monitoring, Philips understands the power of information to improve health habits and health outcomes. We’ve taken that blend of technology, expertise and medical grade accuracy and put it into the Philips personal health programs, giving users the information needed to manage their health, wherever they are”.

In addition to innovations in the product areas highlighted above, other innovations being showcased by Philips at this year’s CES 2017 include advanced home monitoring solutions that enable people to live independently at home, and new connected kitchen appliances.

 

 


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

News

AXA Mansard Empowers Female SMEs with Financial, Digital Skills

Published

on

Kindly share this post

AXA Mansard, a member of AXA has empowered 200 female Small and Medium Enterprises with financial literacy and digital business skills.

In collaboration with SME 100 Africa, the two-day training, which was held in Lagos, is part of AXA’s lined-up programmes to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Speaking, Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing AXA Mansard, said the training was aimed to empower female SME owners with skills to improve business output and position them for the increasing economic opportunities available in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Ogunyooye noted that the move was in line with AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, explaining that the company was convinced that support for women through its inclusive protection programmes was pivotal to its purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters and its mission of moving from being a payer to a partner.

He further said that focusing on digital skills was important because the company realised the importance of digital skills to the growth of the SME sector in Nigeria and wants to ensure that women were empowered enough to be a consequential part of that growth.

“It’s almost trite to say that SMEs are the engine for economic growth, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where over 45 million adults are business owners. What needs to be continually discussed is how Nigeria is going to unlock that potential for economic development and how much of that potential will be unlocked by women and for women.”

“For us at AXA Mansard, we are aware that digital will play a major role in unlocking these current opportunities and Nigeria’s economic future. So, to ensure that women are equally represented in unlocking these future potentials, that’s why we have collaborated with SME 100 Africa to support them in developing the required skills”.

“Our choice of digital and financial literacy skills is deliberate. We understand the power of the duo. We understand that helping these SMEs with the skills to attract more customers will be a faster means to empower them.

“We see that they have amazing products and services, but they need to understand how to attract value for themselves by attracting the right customers, and you will agree with me that virtually all customer segments are online in one way or another today.

“So, if we can empower them with digital business skills, we would have helped them with the heavy lifting of trying to find and attract customers”. Ogunyooye explained.

According to him, AXA Mansard believes that for the world to experience progress truly, there must be an equitable distribution of creation and access to opportunities for men and women. This quest for balance informed the SHE for Shield initiative, a women-centred inclusive protection programme of AXA Mansard.

SHE for Shield is a group of initiatives designed for the Nigerian woman. The goal is to see them grow, add value, and help them mitigate risks at every step.

According to the company, research has found that access to health care is one of the most important things to Nigerian women, regardless of their economic segment. They desire to be financially independent, secure, and respected in the community.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

IFC Invests in New 4DX Ventures Fund to Support Tech Startups in Africa

Published

on

Kindly share this post

IFC is investing $10.5 million in a new fund by 4DX Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage African technology companies across a broad set of sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, edtech, climate tech, and health tech.

IFC’s investment in 4DX Ventures Fund III will come from IFC’s $225 million venture capital platform, which was launched last year to strengthen emerging VC ecosystems and invest in early-stage companies in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving just 2% of global venture deal volume in the third quarter of 2023. Access to capital on the continent has been further exacerbated by a slowdown in global venture capital investment.

Tech ecosystems are nascent, or even nonexistent, outside of more established markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

“IFC and 4DX Ventures share the commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurs with innovations that will help Africa leapfrog in critical areas such as climate, health care, fintech, e-commerce, and education,” said Walter Baddoo, Co-Founder and General Partner of 4DX Ventures.

“We look forward to partnering with IFC to help promising tech startups build transformative businesses and realize sustainable development impact on the continent.”

4DX’s new fund will invest in companies with tech solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa. The firm’s first two funds invested in companies such as Egypt-based e-commerce platform MaxAB, an IFC portfolio company; Ghana-based health tech firm mPharma; and Kenya-based B2B e-commerce platform Wasoko, formerly known as Sokowatch.

“By supporting the development of tech ecosystems in emerging markets, IFC’s venture capital platform aims to improve access to key services, boost business competitiveness, and promote job creation through digital transformation,” said Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries at IFC.

“Our investment in venture funds such as 4DX Ventures will help African entrepreneurs access more financing and resources they need to scale tech innovations and bolster sustainable growth across the continent.

In addition to providing capital, IFC will work with 4DX Ventures to implement their environmental and social management system.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

Climate Action Africa Announces CAAF24

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Climate Action Africa (CAA) has announced the inaugural convening of the Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24). This international event brings together stakeholders from across the world who drive thought leadership insights on how to encourage collaboration, catalyse actionable solutions, and urge governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in climate-smart initiatives.

The climate-focused event was announced at last week’s Friday international press conference held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja. This marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future. A precursor to the upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum scheduled for June 17-19, 2024, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, this press conference brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. The gathering’s main goal was to discuss the urgent need for sustainable development plans and climate-smart investments in Africa.

Framed by the theme “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development,” the international press conference became a vibrant platform for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations, and impactful engagements. It convened an esteemed gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions for Africa’s pressing environmental challenges.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by the Executive Director and Co-founder of Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, who having announced the commencement of event registration as April 2nd, 2024, made the call for tech-driven solutions and innovations in the fields of emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, circularity and building and construction to apply to participate in the deal room.

Providing insights to attendees on how innovative approaches and collaborative action is at the heart of CAAF24, she extended an opportunity to like minded organisations who would like to partner by hosting side events and finally, a call for volunteers from across the continent.

“It’s no news that the world stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action is imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Against this backdrop, CAAF24 serves as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discourse, and forge collaborative pathways towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The essence of CAAF lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s natural resources, people, and economies,” Grace stated.

During the International Press Conference, distinguished speakers and thought leaders emphasised the urgent need for collective action in tackling Africa’s climate challenges.

They delved into critical topics like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance, offering practical insights and inspiring initiatives.

Jummai Vandu, representing the National Council on Climate Change, expressed optimism about the initiative’s outcomes. “Today’s discussions,” she said, “underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to combat climate change. The National Council believes working together is key to driving meaningful action and creating a more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.”

With the International Press Conference complete, the stage is set for CAAF24. Stakeholders will converge to translate ideas into action, forge partnerships, and drive progress towards a climate-smart Africa.

Mrs. Taiwo Fashipe, Head of Media for the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), echoed similar sentiments, stating: “The theme of this year’s Climate Action Africa Forum aligns with our goals, vision, and mission at the Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We look forward to using this platform to advance interest in and investment in greener and cleaner energy sources like CNG.”

Standing at a crucial juncture in Africa’s quest for sustainable development, CAAF24, convened by Climate Action Africa in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change, Channels Media Group, and Founder Institute, emerges as a beacon.

It brings together the private and public sectors, guiding the continent towards a future marked by resilience, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending