Apple buys health startup founded by Indian-origin duo

Taking its interest in the digital health sector to the next level, tech giant Apple has quietly acquired personal health data startup Gliimpse founded by two Indian-origin entrepreneurs.

According to media reports, the acquisition reportedly happened earlier but was not publicly announced yet.

An Apple spokesperson has now responded, saying: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

Founded in 2013 by Anil Sethi and Karthik Hariharan, Gliimpse provides a secure platform where consumers can manage and share their medical records and info.

According to Sethi's LinkedIn page, Gliimpse -- like many startups -- was born of a personal need.

In recent months, Apple has acquired HealthKit, CareKit and ResearchKit startups that allow patients, doctors and researchers to access important health and wellness data via a range of mobile devices.

Apple has also released its HealthKit app which helps users monitor personal health and fitness data on iPhone 6.

The Cupertino-based company has recently been making a push into artificial intelligence through Siri personal assistant and related technologies.

It acquired the machine learning platform Turi for $200 million earlier this month.

Apple also bought machine learning and AI startups like VocalIQ and Perceptio and facial recognition startup Emotient, among others.

--IANS

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