Who doesn't love WiFi? Whether you're wasting time on your smartphone, flying across the country (here's looking at you, Virgin America), or, apparently, transmitting patient data, WiFi can get the job done. A few stories relating to WiFi in medical technology made the rounds recently:
 

• CJPS Medical Systems added WiFi capability to its VitalPoint remote patient monitor, which is used to measure patients’ vital signs from home. In addition to transmitting patient data and generating electronic medical records, this added feature allows any software update to be automatically uploaded to all monitors without user intervention.
• Mobisante just received FDA clearance for technology that puts ultrasound on smartphones. The system uses WiFi to send images for diagnosis, second opinion, or to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for storage.
• AtGuardianAngel, which provides products for seniors to help them in the event of a fall, embeds location-sensitive WiFi into a lightweight wristwatch. The device, which also includes accelerometers and is to be worn by the patient, activates the WiFi automatically to alert the designated care provider of the problem when it detects a fall.

 
These stories underscore the growing connectedness of our gadgets, and there are sure to be plenty more. —Lawrence Lloyd