Ok, it’s now 04 July 2020.
So, when will ECG be released in Australia.
I upgraded my Apple Watch specifically to get ECG, promised by Apple at that time.
Who is responsible in the Medical profession here for this absurd level of procrastination, please tell me...
Apple Watch
Given the registration hasn't occurred the issue is hardly solved!
Interesting that Apple doesn't seem to be able to negotiate the relatively easy TGA registration process, especially since there exists what is known as a Global Medical Device Nomenclature code (recognised by the TGA) that covers the hardware and another that covers the software! Would hate to think it is just laziness on Apple's part or that they won't provide any details to TGA, which to be frank is usually less than the US and the same as the UK and EU.
For information, the relevant codes are below. Registration takes less than a day to complete the form and usually an answer is received within a couple of days.
Hardware
Name
Wearable multiple physiological parameter recorder
Definition
An electrically-powered, wearable device (e.g., wristband, watch, finger probe, head-worn sensor) designed to continuously or intermittently measure and record multiple physiological parameters [e.g., heart rate, respiration rate, electrocardiograph, haemoglobin oxygen saturation (Sp02), routine body movement] using one or more technologies [e.g., photoplethysmography (PPG), reflectance pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, accelerometry). The data is typically transferred to a local application (e.g., smartphone) or central database for analysis, which might include evaluation of lifestyle factors (e.g., energy expenditure, activity level, sleep patterns).
Software
Name
Smartphone camera home cardiovascular monitoring application software
Definition
A software program designed for use in a smartphone/watch with a built-in camera to periodically measure, via transcutaneous optical reading, and display cardiovascular parameters (e.g., pulse wave, heart rate variability, SpO2, blood pressure, LVEDP) for assessment of cardiovascular function to assist diagnosis of disease (e.g., arrythmia, cardiac autonomic neuropathy); it may also be used to provide general lifestyle/fitness advice or during a controlled Valsalva manoeuvre to facilitate cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This is a home-use device which may allow for remote communication of data with a clinician; it may in addition be used in a clinical setting.
So you think for the past 3 years Apple is just sitting back thinking, "you know, I think we should finally apply to the TGA so those people down under can finally take an ECG on their watches. Wonder why we haven't done this before now?"
For me I think the absolute lack of acknowledgment to the loyal Australian customers is the thing I find to be worst. Apple won’t even give us a reason for the lack of the feature. Nothing! It’s like they don’t care which I’m suspected is totally the case. For me and all my friends and family we are decidedly running out of patience and are contemplating switching brands. The ignorance of Apple is astounding. Show some respect to their Australian customers and do the right thing and at least issue a statement as to why we don’t have the ecg feature
Threats to move to another brand in the Apple Support Communities is laughable, even if you actually do speak for your extended family. If there is a better brand that protects your privacy and creates better products in your estimation, then just go for it and buy them. There is no need to announce it here. No one here actually cares which brands you patronize. This is a tech support forum. This particular thread is what's called a honey pot because there isn't actually anything about tech support happening here.
The dozen or so of you posting here who believe and claim that Apple doesn't care about its Aussie customers/users haven't an iota of evidence to back your claims, it's just fake news and conspiracy theories.
Enjoy whatever new brand that you and your entire family settle upon.
Like everyone else here, you are entitled to your opinion. If you think Apple makes inferior products then don't buy them. Move on to whatever you think is better.
As you can plainly see by the removal of your other two comments, this may be an open forum, but it IS a dictatorship. It is a set of user to user tech forums owned and run by Apple by Apple's terms. You DO NOT have freedom of speech here. When you opened your account you agreed to abide by those terms. And when you don't Apple's moderators step in and remove comments and if necessary can send you on a vacation where you can no longer post for a period of time or permanently.
You have now placed yourself on the moderator's radar screen. They will be watching your every move.
It’s interesting how folks who don’t want to acknowledge the facts are very similar to an ostrich with its head in the sand. No peripheral vision at all. Like a race horse with the blinkers on. Very sad and narrow minded.
So now all conspiracy theories have been aired and discussed to death let’s get to the bottom line and ask, “so when does Apple intend to update the software in Australia?”
I have been asking Apple’s feed back sites to no avail. Surely it can’t be that hard given its running in most western civilisations!
As with all Apple updates and upgrades when Apple is ready to do them. Never rushed. After all we have only been waiting over 2 years. What’s a few more weeks! Disrespectful really. Should ask for a refund on these watches that were bought two years ago and when Apple was advertising ecg on the Australian website. Every dog has its day and the dogs name is Apple.
Calm down. As soon as the next update is ready to be released to the public, it will be.
Software release cycles are more complex than you can probably imagine. They won't simply release a single feature alone, otherwise people would receive an update request a day on all their devices. They would then proceed to come here to complain that the device updates "too often", that it must therefore be "full of issues" etc. Just give it some time. Find a hobby, watch a movie, do something else. Thank you.
markjennc wrote:
So Apple is playing God and removing people’s posts. Hmm. And they tell us the don’t monitor these discussions.
No, Apple is playing Apple. In the Terms of Use, to which you agreed when you registered, they explained this:
Apple reserves the right to delete any Submission, or take action against any account, at any time, for any reason.
Apple monitors these discussions quite closely to make sure we all adhere to those Terms of Use. What they don't monitor for is suggestions or feedback. If you have something you'd like Apple to know, use the appropriate method:
Dah•veed wrote:
Any user who is a Level 4(?) and higher can report your posts for moderation.
Level 2.
These forums are on Apple's dime, so yes, Apple IS God here.
You mean they're not a god everywhere? ;-)
yep, 2 and a 1/2 years of waiting for 30 seconds of, oh cool, it works. And done. I do have issues with my lungs/heart (Pulminary embolisms) so there was a point of me doing it but still, if I was that worried I'd get my doctor to arrange one. It's handy but you do have to stop and make the decision to do it.
Not complaining, we FINALLY got it but really, was it that important? Especially to those who are healthy.
Was it all that important? Good question jimiwitty. I have been waiting for it, and I am pleased to get it, but I suspect for most, not that important. However, if you do have a suspicion of AtFib then it is well worth having. As it comes to Australia very late the experiences with it are elsewhere, but It will be interesting to see the evolution of similar devices and the effect they have on our health. Blood Glucose and blood pressure are just two areas to watch.
Worth the wait for all the elderly here in Oz, me 73yrs young. Together with heart rate and blood/oxygen levels gives me a greater sense of security away from home.
I have had AF which my cardiologist sorted with a 20 minute ablation op. He does want me to send him test results as provided in the app while the uptake is relatively quiet with his patients. He might have to reconsider if his email inbox is flooded with ECG results. His considered opinion is that it’s worth the outlay if not over used and Apple instructions are followed by susceptible heart patients.
I’m using Apple Watch 6 (regrettably my first watch was a 3 and not compatible) and iPhone 8 Max.
I have a right to voice my opinion. It’s disappointing we pay so much money in Australia for Apple products but don’t get the full benefits.
Actually you have no “right” to post your opinion here, this is a user-to-user technical support site operated by Apple.
Apple Watch: ECG In Australia
