It may not seem like it, but almost a year ago Nokia announced they were buying Withings for the price of $191 million. At the time of the announcement, there was no indication as to whether Nokia would stick with the Withings branding. In an announcement at MWC 2017, the company confirmed that starting this summer, hardware produced by the now former Withings division would be branded as Nokia devices. The rebranding will join some changes to apps and platforms that Nokia plans to introduce for the predominantly health-technology oriented products.
Withings may be best known for their scales, but the company produces lots of other products, some of which are quite specific in what they do. There are the general activity trackers and home cameras, which join items like digital thermometers and blood pressure monitors. All of these items will be getting a design refresh to go with the new name they will be marketed under.
Besides the marketing change, Nokia says they will be releasing a revamped Health Mate application. The app gives users the ability to join different devices to their account for easy access to all of the different data being generated. Besides analysis, users will also be able to share information via social media with family and close friends. Nokia says they are als planning to include new coaching programs in the app to help users achieve their fitness goals.
According to Cedric Hutchings, VP of Digital Health, with Nokia, “Withings joined Nokia because we share a vision to inspire individuals to take control of their own health.” The updated Health Mate app will play a big part in that vision.
Nokia also hopes to improve the connection and collaboration that exists between users and their healthcare providers. Nokia plans to rollout their Patient Care Platform this summer as well. The Patient Care Platform is a HIPAA-compliant platform that healthcare providers can use to monitor a patient remotely and be more proactive in helping users avoid serious problems and unnecessary doctor visits.
Nokia says all of these changes and rebranded hardware will be available in the early summer of 2017 through their online store as well as a long list of retailers.
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