At first glance, the BeamO seems pretty ordinary. Small (less than 14 cm long), light (80 g), and with a minimalist design like a Scandinavian beauty accessory, it fits effortlessly in your hand. Its 1.9-inch color LCD screen isn't flashy but is easy to read to clearly display the results. A multifunction button on the front, a USB-C port on the edge for charging: simplicity is the name of the game.
But don't be fooled by its apparent discretion. Under the polycarbonate shell of the Withings BeamO, this connected thermometer hides an armada of sensors: temperature, stainless steel electrodes, PPG, piezoelectric system, force... In short, it can, in less than a minute, take your temperature, measure your oxygen saturation level (SpO2), perform an electrocardiogram and measure your heart rate as well as your respiratory rate. All this, painlessly, without capsules or bandages. And the least invasive intervention.
Quick and reassuring handling
Installation, as is often the case with Withings, is done via the in-house app. Allow two minutes flat to pair the BeamO via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to your smartphone (iOS or Android). Once activated, simply point the infrared sensor at your forehead, two centimeters away, then follow the on-screen instructions.
For other measurements, you orient the case to place your fingers on the electrodes on the edge. The most surprising thing is how fluid the gesture is. Even children quickly understand when you put the device in their hands. The little drawings are easy to understand. A beep confirms the successful measurement, and the results are immediately visible on the screen, then automatically synchronized in the app. The BeamO does everything to simplify your life, and it succeeds.
Regarding the reliability of the data, we compared it with smartwatches, heart rate sensors, other ECG and SpO2 sensors, and even more traditional thermometers, and the data collected seemed completely reliable. Regarding temperature measurement, however, it is important to place the device 2 cm away from the forehead. Otherwise, if you stick it to the skin, for example, you can observe erroneous measurements, sometimes with a difference of almost one degree. Don't hesitate to repeat the measurement two or three times if in doubt.
A mini stethoscope in your hand
The real novelty is its stethoscope function. By placing the BeamO on the chest, it is able to listen to lung sounds thanks to a piezoelectric sensor and earphones provided with the device. You don't need to be a doctor to use it: the device records sounds and translates them into usable data via the application. This makes it possible to monitor breathing difficulties, wheezing, or a persistent cough with unprecedented precision for a consumer device.
Of course, this is not intended to make a diagnosis — but in case of doubt, it is a simple way to capture information to transmit to a professional (during an appointment or remotely). And during a winter epidemic or for people with asthma, it's a reassuring tool to have at home.
A health dashboard at your fingertips
Once the data is recorded, head to the Withings app. There, a clear dashboard allows you to track measurements over time, compare them to reference values, and, if necessary, share them with a healthcare professional. For family use, it's possible to create multiple profiles – practical for monitoring the temperature of the whole family in the event of a winter epidemic.
With free and unlimited online storage, your data remains accessible, whether you change phones or not. Bonus: Integration with Apple Health, Google Fit, or Health Connect lets you centralize everything if you already use other connected devices that aren't part of the Withings ecosystem.
Amazing battery life, long-term use
When it comes to battery life, Withings has nailed it. Eight months without recharging in normal use is more than comfortable. And if necessary, recharging via USB-C only takes an hour. No proprietary cable or dock is required: a simple standard cable is enough. Practical and painless.
But it's not just a battery issue: the BeamO goes unnoticed until you need it. It fits in a drawer or a toiletry bag, requires no special maintenance, and withstands minor everyday knocks. In short, it's designed to last—which is rare for a tech item.
The ally for everyday worries
Lingering cold? Child feeling unwell? Need to check for a fever without disturbing everyone in the middle of the night? The BeamO quickly becomes second nature. Its contactless function allows you to silently check a sleeping child's temperature. And in the case of unclear symptoms, other measurements (SpO2, respiratory rate, etc.) help to objectify the situation... and often provide reassurance.
Does this replace a visit to the doctor? Obviously not. But it helps to better monitor the development of symptoms, to react earlier if necessary, or on the contrary, to avoid an unnecessary consultation. And that's already a lot.
A price that lives up to its ambitions
The question of price remains. At €249.95, the BeamO is not a cheap gadget. But given the versatility it offers and the ease of use it guarantees, the investment is justified. Especially since it's aimed at families, caregivers, or anyone who wants to better monitor their daily health.
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