Apple Watch: Singapore to start paying people to exercise with smartwatch



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Over the past week, the company caused a sensation in the city-state by introducing a shiny new “floating” store and a new government partnership aimed at pushing the use of its smartwatch.

Singapore announced Tuesday that it would reward residents hundreds of dollars if they use a new health app designed for the Apple Watch.

The application encourages users to exercise and perform certain activities each week, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. It also reminds users to sign up for health checkups and vaccination appointments. By marking those goals, users can earn up to 380 Singapore dollars (around $ 280).

“Singapore has one of the world’s leading healthcare systems and we are delighted to partner with them,” said Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams.

The announcement is timely for Apple, which just announced two new smartwatch models this week at its big event in September. One of the watches comes with improved health features, including an app that allows users to monitor their blood oxygen levels.
New Apple store at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

The announcement also came days after the company opened its third store in Singapore: a striking glass dome inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

The space is designed to resemble a “floating sphere,” according to Apple. It features an underwater boardroom, panoramic views of the horizon and an event space, located in the lively Marina Bay Sands area.
Singapore is known for its technological approach to public problems. It was one of the first countries to implement a contact tracing app to stop the spread of the coronavirus this year. It also deployed a robot “dog” to patrol a park and encourage social distancing this summer.

Meanwhile, the government’s relationship with Apple has been years in the making. It started at least two years ago, when Singapore asked healthcare and technology providers to help create new public welfare programs in the country, both sides said. The two-year initiative will begin in October.

“Even as all of us around the world are grappling with the challenges of Covid-19, we must continue to invest in our future. And there is no better investment than in our own personal health,” Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, said in a statement.

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