Wellness, Subscriptions & OTA updates: Unraveling what they have in common

That trend has had a visible impact on automobile manufacturers and dealers. Citing our colleagues from Grape Up, “To make the offer complete, the manufacturer may allow buying a custom offer specific to geographical location – for example, the additional package offered when the driver enters Nürburgring – 24 hours of additional racing time-tracking features. “

That is a primary depiction of the automotive industry trends, so by this point you may be wondering “Okay but what about wellness?”. Surely enough, wellness industry has started to become more and more digitalized at the beginning of COVID pandemic, bringing in some of the most significant transformation. While instructors were not able to assist their students in-person, companies started rolling out some impressive solutions that included body movement tracker with an embedded sensor for the instructor to make sure the student is doing everything correctly.

How can OTA updates be utilized?

Over-the-air (OTA) programming refers to the ability to download applications, services, and configurations over a mobile or cellular network. Smart fitness devices can sync data via OTA with a cloud-based server. This server can store data such as workout information, user preferences, and other business data which can be used for analytics, personalization, and other business purposes. Besides that, OTA updates can enable the devices to personalize their functionality for individual users. For example, an update can provide customized workout plans based on a user's fitness level and goals.

Example #1: Flexia

Flexia designed a product with integrated sensors into their reformer. Pilates reformer is a piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise that consists of a bed-like frame with a flat platform that rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. Attached to the platform are springs, ropes, and pulleys that create resistance, allowing the user to perform a wide range of exercises that target different muscle groups.
The subscription service utilizes a browser-based dashboard as its interface. The reformer's IoT device receives instructions on processing data and generating activity events. It can promptly identify changes in form or control during exercise. The software stack consists of a front-end user experience, class subscription service, and real-time event reinforcement through video. The IoT technology involves the sensor device on the reformer and a cloud-based backend infrastructure. This infrastructure manages the organization and matching between the embedded sensor and the reformer.
The online platform's subscription business model requires the OTA to establish connectivity between the Flexia device and the larger system.

Example #2: Bosch Sensortec

Unlike the previous company, Bosch Sensortec is a well-know German subsidiary of Bosch that specializes in the development and manufacturing of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, which are used in a variety of electronic devices such as smartphones, wearables, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Bosch Sensortec has recently developed self-learning AI sensor that enables personalized solutions for every user in wearable and hearable devices. The device's unique self-learning and personalization features enable users to effortlessly train the device with customized fitness activities. With over 15 pre-learned fitness activities, no training is necessary before use. In addition to the pre-set activities, the device can learn, personalize, and auto-track to enhance the user experience. Users can also add or improve fitness activities without modifying the software or requiring an original dataset. The AI operates on the sensor, eliminating the need for cloud or smartphone connectivity. This innovative edge AI functionality reduces latency, power consumption, and enhances end-user privacy.
When it comes to OTA updates, however, the use case is pretty similar - with OTA updates, Bosch Sensortec can also offer the ability to send out personalized updates and new features, allowing their clients to customize their sensors according to their individual preferences.

Example #3: Moov

Moov is a wearable fitness tracker that uses a range of technologies including embedded computing and AI to track body motion during exercise. Moov connects to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing users to track their progress, view their data, and receive coaching feedback in real-time. Moov also includes a 9-axis motion sensor that can track movement in three dimensions and detect changes in rotation, acceleration, and orientation.

Although it is not clear if Moov uses OTA updates as their primary way of updating their devices, it would only be beneficial.

Feeling inspired to try implementing OTA into your subscription-based business model? We at RTSoft SWDC have come up with an open-source solution of helping you reach your goals – our web-based platform RITMS UP2DATE that can not only facilitate OTA updates, but also create and manage update packages, track device firmware versions, and schedule updates for specific devices or groups of devices. For example, you can use the platform to manage customer accounts, handle billing and payments, and track usage and analytics.
And because RITMS UP2DATE is open-source, you can customize and extend the platform to meet your specific needs.