Future of computing, technology and DATA - Here's the clue

The future of computing and technology is extremely difficult to predict—but there are clues.

The idea here is to identify—directionally. As a simple example, observe the arrow of progress around computers. Each generation was getting more powerful, smaller, and closer to our bodies.

What's next then? Brain-Machine interfaces, other smaller wearable tech attached to the body always, more health metrics and features on wearables.

Smartwatches and -rings, fitness trackers and a rapidly growing array of straps, patches and other “wearables” can record over 7,500 physiological and behavioural variables. Some of these are more useful than others, obviously, machine learning can filter the data to reveal a continuous, quantified picture of you and your health. Sensors will reveal if an older person’s balance is weakening. Strength exercises help prevent falls. In a German trial of heart-failure patients, real-time monitoring reduced mortality and the days spent in hospital by a third. America spends $10,000-20,000 a year per patient with diabetes. A diabetes-control app has been shown to reduce the cost per patient by $1,400-5,000.?

Data from wearable devices are changing disease surveillance and medical research. This is giving new insights into the health of millions of people

The reason for optimism is that the technology is ripe. Smartphones serve as a platform for innovators. Within a year or two, the device on your wrist may be measuring blood sugar, alcohol and hydration, as well as markers of inflammation, kidney and liver function—all of which currently require blood to be drawn. As with any technology, wearables present challenges. Health data could be abused by device-makers, insurers or governments. The technology may not reach the poor, who need it most. The greatest challenge, however, is to ensure that health-care bureaucracy does not stand in the way of progress.

Sources and Suggestions for further reading

“Digital Health Trends 2021”

“Deep Medicine”

“Effectiveness of physical activity monitors in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis”

“Accuracy and Acceptability of Wrist-Wearable Activity-Tracking Devices: Systematic Review of the Literature”

“Evaluations of Commercial Sleep Technologies for Objective Monitoring During Routine Sleeping Conditions”

“Smart wearable devices in cardiovascular care: where we are and how to move forward”

“Pre-symptomatic detection of COVID-19 from smartwatch data”

“Harnessing wearable device data to improve state-level real-time surveillance of influenza-like illness in the USA: a population-based study”