Withings’ $350 Health Tracker Scans Urine for Wellness
▼ Summary
– The U-Scan is a non-invasive toilet device by Withings that analyzes urine samples using replaceable cartridges and sends health data to an app.
– It launched in the US and Europe with two cartridges: Nutrio for nutrition tracking and Calci for kidney health monitoring.
– The device is classified as a wellness product, so FDA clearance isn’t required, and a reproductive health cartridge announced earlier won’t be available at launch.
– Pricing starts at $349.95 for the Proactive option and $429.95 for the Intensive option, with replacement cartridges costing $99.95 each or $179.95 a pair.
– The Withings app collects data via Wi-Fi to provide health insights and improvement suggestions based on the U-Scan’s measurements.
The $350 Withings U-Scan offers a novel approach to health monitoring by analyzing urine directly in your toilet, providing detailed wellness insights without invasive procedures. This innovative device, first introduced at CES 2023, is now available in the US and Europe, marking a significant step forward in at-home health tracking technology.
Unlike other bathroom gadgets such as Kohler’s Dekoda, which relies on visual analysis of stool, the U-Scan focuses exclusively on urine. It automatically collects samples using disposable cartridges, performs a series of tests, and transmits the findings to the Withings mobile application. Users receive personalized health recommendations based on the collected data, helping them make informed decisions about their well-being.
Two distinct cartridge types are offered at launch. The U-Scan Nutrio cartridge evaluates nutritional markers like hydration levels, ketones, and vitamin C concentrations. Meanwhile, the U-Scan Calci cartridge monitors calcium and other indicators related to kidney function and the likelihood of developing kidney stones. A third cartridge for reproductive health tracking, announced previously, will not be part of the initial release. Although the device was initially subject to FDA review, Withings has since categorized it as a wellness product, eliminating the need for regulatory clearance.
Data from the U-Scan is sent via Wi-Fi to the Withings app, where it is compiled into easy-to-understand reports. The app not only displays trends and measurements but also suggests actionable steps to enhance your health.
Pricing begins at $349.95 for the Proactive package. This includes the U-Scan device, a dedicated charging and cleaning station, membership to the Withings Plus service, and one Nutrio or Calci cartridge containing 22 tests. With just two tests per week, each cartridge lasts approximately three months. For more frequent monitoring, the $429.95 Intensive package provides two cartridges and 44 tests. Replacement cartridges are available for $99.95 individually or $179.95 for a pair, and can be delivered automatically through a subscription service.
(Source: The Verge)
