Google has some plans for us. The company wants to use smartphones to monitor health - it will record the rhythm of the heartbeat and look ... deep into our eyes. This is to help you recognize health problems.

Alphabet's subsidiary Google is investigating whether the smartphone's built-in microphone can detect heartbeat and murmurs when placed above the chest, AI chief health officer Greg Corrado told reporters. In his opinion, such readings can enable the early detection of heart valve disorders. "It's not about the thoroughness of the diagnosis, but the recognition of an increased risk," Corrado added.

Eye tests - based on photos - are to focus on detecting diseases, e.g. related to diabetes. Google is currently checking whether smartphone photos will be able to diagnose effectively. According to Corrado, this would be "a future where people, with the help of their doctors, can better understand their health condition and make the right decisions from home.

Google also plans to test whether its artificial intelligence software can analyze ultrasound scans performed by less skilled technicians, as long as they follow a set pattern. Technology can solve the problem of the shortage of employees with higher qualifications in medical facilities and, for example, support parents who decide to give birth at home.

Google has long sought to bring its technical expertise to healthcare, but says little about whether these efforts are generating significant revenues or are already being used specifically.

Source: Reuters