Philips, the Dutch electronics powerhouse, is dipping into the connected health business with a line that includes a body monitor scale, blood pressure cuff, in-ear thermometer, and motion-monitor wristband.
The company hopes to use its strong brand and FDA approval to help differentiate itself. The company (disclosure: I worked for a small obscure division of Philips decades ago) has a significant position in professional healthcare circles (ultrasound and other imaging products) as well as diagnostic and personal care products including Sonicare toothbrushes and Norelco razors. Philips executive Eline de Graaf told us that she hoped that doctors would recommend Philips products to patients who would benefit from health tracking.
There is very little glitzy or trendy about Philips, although its technology is historically always very tight and reliable. (We have several of the connected health products in hand, although we have yet to find the time to actually use them.) The company is large — last year’s sales were 24 billion euros — but the personal care segment is important to it. These connected health products could act as a bridge between toothbrushes and the doctors’ offices.
