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Digital Round Up December 2024

As 2024 ends, the digital health landscape evolves with innovations reshaping business and consumer interactions. This month highlights new tools for healthcare accessibility, content shifts, and tech-driven wellness, from Google’s AI tools to the rise of smart glasses, offering key opportunities for health brands.

KEY PLATFORM UPDATES

Google Launches Health-Specific AI Tools in Search

Google announced a suite of health-related AI tools integrated into its search platform. These tools aim to simplify user access to reliable health information. Features include symptom checkers powered by large language models (LLMs) and a virtual health assistant that can book appointments with healthcare providers directly. This update targets the growing intersection of AI and consumer healthcare, aiming to reduce misinformation and improve accessibility.

Instagram Expands Reels Testing with New Features

Instagram is once again refining its approach to Reels by testing new features that could reshape how users engage with short-form video content. The platform announced it is trialing updates aimed at improving discoverability and creator support. These updates include a redesigned Reels tab, enhanced editing tools, and additional monetisation options for content creators. This move comes as competition in the short-form video space intensifies, with platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts dominating user attention. Instagram’s ongoing experiments suggest a commitment to capturing a larger share of the short-form video market by catering to creators and their audiences alike.

 

INDUSTRY TRENDS

Digital Therapeutics Market to Surpass $14 Billion by 2026

The growth of the digital therapeutics (DTx) market, expected to exceed $14 billion by 2026, offers significant opportunities for biotech companies¹. DTx includes software-based interventions such as mobile apps, virtual coaching, and digital platforms designed to treat or manage medical conditions through evidence-based programs. DTx can work alongside traditional treatments, improving patient adherence, providing valuable real-time data for research, and enhancing outcomes for chronic conditions like diabetes and mental health disorders. For biotech firms, partnering with DTx providers or developing their own digital solutions can streamline treatment processes, integrate digital tools with existing therapies, and open new revenue opportunities. By embracing DTx, biotech companies can lead the way in personalised medicine and integrated healthcare solutions.

Smart Glasses: A $4 Billion Opportunity for Health Brands

The smart glasses market, projected to reach $4 billion by 2030, offers a billion-dollar opportunity for health and medical brands, potentially transforming how consumers engage with content and services². Meta currently dominates the space, with Ray-Ban smart glasses accounting for 60% of purchases in Ray-Ban stores³. Apple or OpenAI is expected to join the competition in 2025, with OpenAI partnering with Jony Ive, the designer of the iPhone, signaling a serious bid for market share. With smart glasses enabling hands-free live streaming, healthcare professionals could offer real-time consultations, virtual events, or live demonstrations of medical procedures. This could deepen patient engagement and trust while offering new ways to educate audiences.

 

DIGITAL NEWS

Amazon’s Pharmacy Arm Introduces AI-Driven Medication Reminders

Amazon Pharmacy announced a new feature leveraging AI to send personalised medication reminders via Alexa and its mobile app. This initiative is expected to enhance medication adherence rates, a key issue for chronic condition management. With over 50% of patients in the U.S. reportedly not taking medications as prescribed, this tool could revolutionise adherence strategies⁴.

EU Proposes New Regulations on Wearable Health Devices

The European Union unveiled a draft proposal to regulate the burgeoning market of wearable health devices. The regulation seeks to standardise how companies collect, process, and store user data, ensuring stricter compliance with GDPR. With the wearable market projected to exceed $23 billion globally by 2029, this regulation could significantly impact industry giants like Apple and Fitbit⁵.

Mindful UK Platform Expands to Local Communities

Mindful UK, a leading wellness platform, has announced the launch of localised community hubs to connect users with in-person mindfulness and wellness events. These hubs aim to strengthen social connections and promote well-being through local workshops, group sessions, and live-streamed mindfulness events. This hybrid approach blends technology with face-to-face interaction, addressing both mental health needs and the growing demand for community-oriented wellness activities.

 

What can you expect from Absolutely Health at the start of 2025:

This year we’ll continue partnering with CROs to optimise recruitment campaigns, ensuring they achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. Additionally, we’re thrilled to begin work on recruitment for a clinical trial that is developing a smartphone app, aimed at helping individuals manage their symptoms. This project combines cutting-edge technology with a patient-centered approach to enhance health outcomes. Have questions or want to collaborate? Reach out to us at hello@absolutely.health

Sources
Digital therapeutics market growth, drivers, and opportunities [Internet]. MarketsandMarkets. [cited 2025 Jan 9]. Available from: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/digital-therapeutics-market-51646724.html?

Smart Glasses Industry [Internet]. Marketsandmarkets.com. [cited 2025 Jan 9]. Available from: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/smart-glasses.asp?
Heaney D. Meta glasses are the top selling product in many Ray-Ban stores [Internet]. UploadVR. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 9]. Available from: https://www.uploadvr.com/ray-ban-meta-glasses-top-selling-emea/

Mykyta L, Cohen R. Characteristics of adults aged 18–64 who did not take medication as prescribed to reduce costs: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics (U.S.); 2023.
Wearable healthcare devices market worldwide 2020-2029 [Internet]. Statista. [cited 2025 Jan 9]. Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461215/wearable-healthcare-devices-market-worldwide/