Will AppStores really lose their influence? There's been a lot of buzz about the latest mobile health apps trends from Research2Guidance's developer survey -- the idea that AppStore will lose their dominance as the distribution channel for mobile health apps and "traditional healthcare channels" will take over. The survey actually found that about half of the developers surveyed believe AppStores are the best channel today and about have believe AppStores will still be the best channel in five years. A larger percentage believes hospitals will be the best channel five years from now, but these healthcare channels may only be where consumers or patients learn about apps. Those channels might just be the biggest drivers of traffic to AppStores. Mobile Business Briefing
"Military grade" tablet PC for healthcare: GammaTech Computer unveiled a new military-grade rugged design tablet PC for the healthcare industry, called the MT10L clinical tablet PC. The tablet is based on Intel Health's Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA) solutions. GammaTech says the device can help healthcare providers "maintain accurate, timely and instantly accessible records." Release
Cnossen steps down from Continua Health Alliance position: After two years, Rick Cnossen to step down as President and Chairman of Continua Health Alliance. Cnossen is taking on a bigger position at Intel Health that requires a slight downshift in his Continua activity: "It is hard to believe it has been almost 2 years that I have had the privilege to serve as Continua president and board chairman. I have learned immensely from working with the many excellent individuals from top companies in our industry," Cnossen writes. "I recently accepted a new position at Intel as Director of Health Information Technology Worldwide which will necessitate that I resign as Continua president and board chairman. Intel remains fully committed to Continua as a Board Promoter and I plan to stay on as the Intel Board representative. I truly believe that Continua-enabled interoperable personal health solutions will empower people and increase the quality of life the world over by providing opportunities for innovations and solutions for improved care. I am passionate about this and will continue to endeavor with Continua to bring this to fruition." Continua Health Alliance
Mobile health to emerge in developing markets first: At a recent industry event, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs seemed most passionate about opportunities in mobile health care, according to a report over at EE Times. Jacobs said mobile health would first emerge as rural services in emerging markets: "It will be a very efficient way to manage health care, and there are already projects underway to do it," he said. More over at EE Times or watch this short video
AT&T and Sprint focusing on attracting Baby Boomers: A report from Bloomberg states that AT&T and Sprint are both focusing on attracting more subscribers in the 50+ age range. David Inns, CEO of GreatCall, which offers the Jitterbug mobile phone service, said he expects the rate of texting among those 55 and older to hit 80 percent in two years, up from about 30 percent today. The article doesn't mention mobile health, but that is certainly one strategy both GreatCall, Verizon Wireless and AT&T are pursuing to attract the aging Baby Boomers. Bloomberg
This Sunday Verizon Wireless will turn on its 4G LTE network: "Verizon represents the first major step in providing truly nationwide 4G coverage that other competitors have not been able to offer," Dan Hays, a partner at consulting firm PRTM, told Investor's Business Daily. "That is tremendously significant for U.S. wireless users. Some areas where you might see significant innovation include applications that incorporate video for use in health care, gaming and other forms of entertainment." Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, D.C. are among the markets that will be covered by Verizon Wireless 4G immediately. IBD
