Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

Elon Musk defends DOGE cuts with Trump, claims Americans will receive what they voted for in Oval Office appearance.

In Short

Elon Musk supported the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during a meeting with President Trump, who signed an order to cut the federal workforce. Musk addressed concerns about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest, asserting the agency acts transparently, despite calls for more information.

Elon Musk appeared with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 11, 2025, to support the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk defended DOGE’s proposed cuts, claiming they were reasonable and aimed at improving government efficiency.

Trump signed an executive order to enforce significant reductions in the federal workforce, allowing DOGE to oversee the hiring processes for agencies.

The order mandates a hiring ratio of one new employee for every four who depart, with exemptions for positions related to public safety and law enforcement.

Musk emphasized that Americans would receive what they voted for regarding DOGE’s changes, questioning the implications of bureaucratic control over democracy.

Trump expressed frustration with federal judges attempting to block DOGE’s initiatives.

Musk had previously suggested that a judge should be impeached after a ruling limited DOGE’s access to Treasury files.

Musk faced inquiries about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest with his companies receiving federal contracts.

He asserted that DOGE operates transparently and shares updates on its official X account and government site.

However, as of the latest check, DOGE.gov had not provided new information.

A DOGE spokesperson stated that the agency is under the Presidential Records Act, potentially keeping their activities confidential for years.

Trump and Putin agree to talks aimed at ending Ukraine war, signalling potential improvement in US-Russia relations.

In Short

Trump and Putin agreed to start talks to end the Ukraine war, following a phone call that raised hopes for improved relations. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Hegseth indicated a shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine’s territorial claims and its NATO membership.

The two leaders communicated by phone on Wednesday. Trump expressed optimism about the potential results of this engagement, describing it as a necessary step towards peace.

This phone call followed a recent prisoner exchange, which Trump suggested might signal improving U.S.-Russia relations.

In his remarks on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing deaths resulting from the conflict. He noted Putin’s reference to his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.”

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statements indicated a shift in U.S. policy, dismissing Ukraine’s restoration to pre-2014 borders as unrealistic and stating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not a viable goal.

Hegseth, during his first European visit as Pentagon chief, emphasised that security guarantees for Ukraine would require contributions from both European and non-European troops, requiring a collaborative international effort.

While Ukraine expresses a desire to reclaim its territory, Hegseth acknowledged the difficulty it might face in obtaining areas currently occupied by Russia.

He did not clarify the level of military support the U.S. would provide moving forward, nor did he suggest an imminent increase in arms supplies.

Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that they have a significant chance to end the war, with strong support from allies anticipated at the upcoming Munich Security Conference.