http://www.telecareaware.com/index.php/the-pileup-of-things-ces-highlights.html#axzz2I9nsyaMV

January 11, 2013 | By: Donna Cusano 

Independa, our first funded health tech company of 2013, saved some news for CES. Not only is partner/investor LG Electronics expanding the use of the Angela telehealth/socialization suite in its commercial market Pro:Centric TVs, but also Samsung Mobile is loading its Galaxy Tab 2 with Angela, available through designated distributors. This combination of TV and tablet technology is a first for the telehealth area, giving care providers in both community and home settings. Independa releases: LG, Samsung. mHIMSS article

The RP-VITA robot developed by iRobot/InTouch is first to gain FDA approval for active patient monitoring in high-acuity environments where immediate clinical actions may be needed (such as ER/ED, pre/post-operative). Available on lease for $6,000 monthly. HealthWorks Collective article

Philips introduced another iteration to Lifeline, called GoSafe. This version is the first Lifeline product that goes outside the home through cellular connectivity provided by AT&T. It features GPS detection on the Skyhook network, AutoAlert fall detection and alarming–but still is a kludgy device which has to be worn around the neck. Its in-home base connector is either connected to POTS or cellular for a better signal. Also different from traditional Lifeline, the device itself will need to be purchased (@ $150) with a $50/monthly monitoring fee. It is targeted for a less frail, more active older adult. Available in March. For those liking metrics, Philips revealed to Mobihealthnews that Lifeline has helped over 7 million people live independently in their own homes–a huge base–and the AutoAlert version has gained 100,000 users. Also Medgadget Whither the overlap with Lifecomm (the Philips/Qualcomm/Hughes Telematics-Verizon JV)? Also will be out early this year, after its beta, according to Mobihealthnews.

Videos Galore. The Digital Health Summit just uploaded multiple interview videos on YouTube, a pick-n-mix as most (as of Friday afternoon NYC time) are not fully labeled. No panel/presentation/keynote interviews yet but here’s another brace of DHS videos.The Wall Street Journal in its CES 2013 ‘Gadgets to look for’ has a video on Scanadu (at 0:37) and in its Thursday highlights, Samsung’s flexible phone/tablet screen (at 1:02)–the WOW of the day.

The HealthSpot Station telemedicine/telehealth walk-in kiosk, which we previewed at CES New York, officially debuted (release) with a kiosk display on the floor, and also announced its partnership with Miami Children’s Hospital on a proposed multi-part project (release). The telemedicine consult portion will be provided by Teladoc (Teladoc release).

ADT Pulse, the home automation division of security giant ADT, and Ideal Life announced a strategic partnership to integrate Ideal Life’s telehealth into the ADT home management system. (release)

Our recently profiled [TA 4 Jan] iPhone/Android med reminder app, MediSafe Project from Israel, claims that its users since November (two months!) have an 81% med adherence rate, versus the WHO 50% average in developing countries. For those on cholesterol statins, the percentage is 84%. Impressive, though early days. MedCityNews

A Series C funding to note is PatientSafe Solutions, a patient workflow and documentation mobile platform. Investors are the Merck Global Health Innovation (GHI) fund and with participation from Camden Partners, TPG Capital, and Psilos Group. Release

What happened to Google Glasses? The Vuzik M100 Smart Glasses only will distract you in one eye. It has built-in Wi-FI, Bluetooth, the ability to record HD video (720p), a compass, an accelerometer and a 16:9, WQVGA, full color display. Perhaps the future for hospital and assisted living care staff? Gizmag

Another recap courtesy of HISTalk Connect(scroll down to CES Week in Review)

And stick-in-the-eye advice from a long-time observer of CES, from the IT perspective but equally applicable to bright eHealth developers: avoid spending time and treasure on ‘solutions in search of problems’ like refrigerators with embedded tablets. The CES cesspool is all our own fault (ZDNet)