Institute for Global Health Innovation launches: IGHI’s deputy chairman Prof Guang-Zhong Yang told The Engineer the institute was currently developing miniature wireless sensors to remotely monitor patient's health. The Engineer

DynaVox Maestro device launches: DynaVox, which we mentioned last year as part of the reimbursement debate over assistive technologies and apps, has created a new device for people with communications disorders. Maestro, a tablet device, can speak with different voices and multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, and French. It also interfaces with other devices and runs Windows 7. MedGadget

Dust, water, scratch resistant smartphone: Motorola released a dust, water and scratch resistant Android smartphone called Defy, which could catch the eye of clinical workers. Video:

Dutch researchers working on RPM BAN: Dutch researchers at IMEC have unveiled the the Human + + body area network platform, which contains electrocardiogram sensors and a small transmitter connected to a necklace that transmits data from the body to a mobile device. The researchers say the data can then be sent to a physician via simple text message for review. PSFK

MedApps goes into the Cloud: "A lot of our chronic care patients are seniors and other individuals who might not be the most technology adept users – they need to be able to unpack their equipment and use it right away and not be bothered with updates after the fact. CloudCare's automated, 'over the air' updates let patients concentrate more on their health and worry less about the technology." MedApps CEO Kent Dicks stated in a company press release. CloudCare brings remote deployment and maintenance of equipment and firmware plus customization, including: remotely adding new OEM equipment, kit configuration, distribution and re-distribution for the enterprise, personalized communication, language, add-on features and customized profiles for the patient. Press Release

Harvard-MIT researcher uses simple cameras for vital signs: Vital signs can be checked manually or through sensors attached to the body, however, a student working in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program is developing a system that checks pulse, respiration, blood pressure and the like simply by putting a person in front of a low-cost webcam. MIT

Video: CNET posted a video covering the hospital of the future: