Google Can Make Cellphone Cameras A Dermatological Tool, It Can Identify Skin Disorders!

Google health app illustration (NewsTesla)

JAKARTA - Google I/O 2021, shows off several new technologies. Some of them are ready to be released to the public and others are still in concept, requiring development time.

The tech giant is introducing a new health app that will help users identify abnormalities in the skin, hair, and nails. The application was developed using Artificial Intelligence technology and can be attached to a smartphone camera.

"Two million people worldwide suffer from skin disorders. Our AI-powered dermatology application will help you better understand skin conditions”, wrote Google Health via its official Twitter account, Wednesday, May 19.

2 billion people globally suffer from skin conditions. Our CE-marked AI-powered dermatology tool will help people research common skin conditions. https://t.co/Z9bwC3f6AO #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/gMWP3dIV3z

- Google Health (GoogleHealth) May 18, 2021

Currently, this brand-new health application is not yet available on Android phones. However, based on the release shared, Google revealed that this dermatology support tool is a website-based application.

"We hope to launch it as a pilot project this year, to make it easier for you to identify skin problems", wrote Google as quoted by Mashable.

How Google's Dermatology Application Works

As easy as you read the explanation in this article, it's that easy to use this brand-new application. This application will only ask you to take three photos. Maybe photos of skin, nails, or hair. It depends on what part you think is having a problem.

The photo must be taken from multiple angles. Then, the application will ask you a question. Regarding how long the symptoms have been felt, the user's skin type, and other symptoms that may be encountered.

Well, based on the answers sent by the user, Artificial Intelligence will try to find the appropriate data from the 288 types of skin conditions it has. So, Artificial Intelligence can explain the possible abnormalities that you are dealing with.

Apart from photos and user answers, the app also takes many factors into account. This includes gender, race, skin type, and age. These data are needed so that the application can provide specific answers and in accordance with the conditions.

Google explains that it has adjusted the application model to always identify based on data a number of 65.000 images and diagnosed cases of skin disorders.

"Millions of images of skin disorders as well as thousands of samples of healthy skin - all from different demographics", explains Google.

Currently, the application has received clinical validation from the European Union and is labeled as 'Class I Medical Device'. Unfortunately, in its home country, the United States, this application has not even received an evaluation from the FDA regarding its safety and success rate.

Therefore, it is still uncertain when the company will launch this application globally.