Sensor-based monitoring coming to an iPhone near you?

mobihealthnews reports on a recent Apple patent application for a wireless earbud sensor using infrared radiation to monitor blood oxygen level, body temperature, heat flux and heart rate. The patent application notes that the earbud could use infrared photodetectors to monitor the user’s biometrics as well. The link over to the Apple Insider describes this as ‘fitness tracking’ not vital signs, but if it works….why not?  This observer doesn’t quite get infrared in the ear (irradiated middle ear?) but finds the prospect of being plugged into your tunes and vital signs at the same time more interesting than watching morning (breakfast) TV on the monitors. Pointer to the future.