The Portable Doctor

Samsung is developing a fourth generation (4G) mobile device that can function as a "portable doctor," checking a user's vital signs and communicating with a physician via a translation function.

The device would likely be marketed to frequent travelers, those in remote and rural areas, and military and emergency response personnel. With data speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, the device can transmit enough sound, video and other data allow a physician to make a full diagnosis of a patient.

Samsung hopes to make the device available by 2009, though its marketability will largely depend upon the adoption of 4G. Security and medical licensure issues will also need to be resolved before the "portable doctor" is ready to see you.

Source: Korea Times