Google revealed a “health-tracking wristband” on June 24th positioned for use in pharma clinical trials to collect continuous, medical-grade telemetry on pulse, skin temperature, light and noise—which only hints at the band’s true potential. The band clearly stresses function over form, is not Android Wear powered, and will not be sold to consumers.


Unverified Photo: Source: Blomberg

Smart wristwear is a market in its infancy and continues to take shape as players approach the wrist from their respective corners. Fitness band vendors, smartwatch makers and even purveyors of smart bracelets are all vying for position—playing to a highly segmented market with highly segmented offerings. In the fourth corner, however, there is a sleeping giant that stands to reap the greatest financial and human benefits of all from wearables—medical-grade biotelemetry for healthcare.

SA's new report  GoogleX Lab's Sensor Wristband & the Role of Google in Taking Medical-Grade Wearables Mainstream assesses the catalysts and significant blockers to this market and the role of the search giant moving forward.