Withings' little smart thermometer lets you take a temperature without coming in contact with the body, which is cool in the age of coronavirus. It's got a brightly lit display that can track the temperature readings of up to eight people. And it will sync temperature readings with the smartphone app automatically over WiFi so no need to Bluetooth sync. Based on your temperature and symptoms the app can recommend when it's time to take action. Withings even works with Boston Children's hospital to help provide education on proper medication and doses. Unlike the Kinsa smart thermometer, Withings doesn't share data to help determine public health outbreaks in an area.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Withings seems to do a good job protecting your privacy and security. They don't share or sell your data and have an easy to read privacy policy. Which is all great for a device that takes your temperature because you don't need the world knowing just how hot you are (or if you have a fever).
Tips to protect yourself
- Be very careful what third party companies you consent to share your health data with. If you do decided to share your health data with another company, read their privacy policy to see how they protect, secure, and share or sell your data.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: No
Microphone
Device: No
App: No
Tracks location
Device: No
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third-party account
No
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Email address, birth date, names and surnames, phone number, delivery address.
Body related
Temperature
Social
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
No known incidents in the last 3 years.
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Written in plain language
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Strong password
You access the device through the Withings HealthMate app, which requires a unique password.
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Privacy policy
Does the product use AI?
Is this AI untrustworthy?
What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?
Is the company transparent about how the AI works?
Does the user have control over the AI features?
Comments
Got a comment? Let us hear it.