Tech giants Best Buy Health and Apple collaborate to develop health technology tailored for elderly consumers.
In a recent announcement, Best Buy Health has expanded its health technology offerings with the release of health and safety tools designed for older adults on the Apple Watch. To access these services, users will need the Lively app and a Lively Health & Safety Plan.
The new features include the Live Agent Assist, which uses the Apple Watch to detect hard falls and initiate calls from Lively Agents to check on the user's wellbeing. If necessary, family members may also be contacted. The rollout of these services marks Best Buy Health's latest move in the consumer health products and virtual care services market.
However, the availability of the Live Agent Assist feature on the Apple Watch has not been specified yet. While there are upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and watchOS 11 releases in 2025, the specific launch timeline for Live Agent Assist on this platform remains unclear.
Best Buy Health's mission is to enrich and save lives through technology and meaningful connections. Since acquiring GreatCall, a company offering connected health and emergency response services, in 2018, the company has been committed to providing health solutions for older adults.
In addition to the Live Agent Assist feature, the Preferred Health & Safety package includes Urgent Response, Urgent Care, and the GreatCall Link app. Urgent Response connects customers with agents in emergencies, while Urgent Care allows users to speak to a registered nurse or board-certified doctor without an appointment at any time.
The retail giant has also been streamlining its operations, as evident by the recent staff cuts. Last month, Best Buy cut 5,000 mostly full-time jobs and added 2,000 part-time roles to better align its workforce with customer demands.
David Inns, Best Buy Health's president of active aging, stated that the new Apple Watch features aim to provide a greater sense of connection and independence for older adults, and added peace of mind for families. As Best Buy Health continues to develop and roll out new health technologies, keeping an eye on official announcements and product pages will provide the most accurate updates.
[1] Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/03/apple-announces-apple-watch-series-9/ [3] Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/21/apple-watch-series-9-watchos-10-release-date/
- Best Buy Health's latest offering in the health technology sector is the Apple Watch's health and safety tools for older adults, which require the Lively app and a Lively Health & Safety Plan.
- The Live Agent Assist feature, available soon on the Apple Watch, detects hard falls and initiates calls to Lively Agents for user wellbeing checks, with family members also receiving notifications if necessary.
- The availability of Live Agent Assist on the Apple Watch Series 11, slated for release in 2025, and watchOS 11 is yet to be specified.
- Best Buy Health aims to enrich and save lives through technology and meaningful connections, a mission reflected in their acquisition of GreatCall in 2018.
- Added to the Preferred Health & Safety package are services like Urgent Response, Urgent Care, and the GreatCall Link app, enabling users to seek help in emergencies, speak with healthcare professionals, and receive updates on loved ones.
- In a bid to realign workforce with customer demands, Best Buy made substantial staff cuts last month, reducing 5,000 full-time jobs and adding 2,000 part-time roles.
