Assuming a spherical cow, and that Apple's decision-makers aren't completely incapable of basic math, the logical conclusion would be...?
(Spoiler: I assume the patent-holder is asking some outrageous sum. Or there's a piece of the story we're missing. Or maybe some kind of game of chicken.)
Indeed, Apple has a reputation for going scorched earth on patent trolls and trying to invalidate your entire patent portfolio after you poke the bear (Masimo has already had several of their patents invalidated in the course of their litigation with Apple).
This is endemic though, I don't think Masimo is especially unique here, companies often encourage filing frivolous patents.
Do you have data on this? I think it's a pretty big deal.
Uses of pulse oximetry: https://www.healthline.com/health/pulse-oximetry#purpose-and...
Most of the above conditions listed above occur in very sick people already under close medical supervision, with the exception of asthma. But even in asthma, pulse oximetry has limitations: https://asthma.net/living/lets-talk-pulse-oximetry
I think it’s cool the Apple Watch has this, but it’s mostly a gimmick as far as I can tell.
On the non-medical side, I fly small, unpressurized airplanes and altitude can definitely have an effect on blood oxygen levels. Having this data collected in the background as I fly or do other activities is valuable to me despite not having any of the issues presented from the link above.
I have not had to act on the data yet but if I were to get a low O2 alert while flying I would definitely open a window and descend ASAP. Depending on the circumstances I might also consider landing.