Chinese phone maker Oppo on Wednesday released its first smart health device, called OHealth H1. A small oval-shaped device that can take six key health measurements, OHealth H1 is targeted at family healthcare scenarios and daily monitoring use.

Why it matters: Oppo has been expanding its investment in digital health devices in recent years, hoping to diversify its offering and “use technological innovation to meet evolving healthcare needs,” according to a spokesperson. 

  • Earlier this year, Oppo launched an accelerator to provide funding to innovative health tech projects around the world.  
  • The firm set up Oppo Health Lab, a health research and development facility, in 2021, focusing on foundational technologies like algorithms and sensors.

Details: The OHealth H1 features six health data monitoring functions: blood oxygen, electrocardiogram, heart and lung auscultation, heart rate, body temperature, and sleep tracking.

  • The device has a rounded oval-shaped design, weighing only 95 grams. It aims to help users to form a habit of monitoring their health metrics on a daily basis, without needing to wake up the device or pair it with phones.
  • The OHealth H1 is equipped with a larger sensor on the side of the device, making it more sensitive than other daily health devices like smartwatches. It is designed to detect potential heart conditions such as irregular or rapid heart rhythms with the help of algorithms.
  • The device’s sleep tracking feature can work without contact. The device can detect subtle mattress vibrations while users are sleeping within 20 cm (7.87 inches) of their pillows. 
  • Oppo also offers an accompanying app called OHealth to help users to track their health data. The app features AI-assisted diagnosis and telemedicine features that allow users to have their data reviewed by qualified doctors for a professional diagnosis.
  • Oppo says that all collected data is stored locally by default and that uploaded data will be encrypted with authorization from users.
  • Oppo has yet to reveal the pricing of the device or when it will be released to the public, but a spokesperson told TechNode that it was already in production and will initially be available only in China, with an international launch still being planned. The spokesperson added that Oppo is still “refining the product to meet the requirements of local medical regulations and other relevant laws.”

Ward Zhou is a tech reporter based in Shanghai. He covers stories about industry of digital content, hardware, and anything geek. Reach him via ward.zhou[a]technode.com or Twitter @zhounanyu.