Here are eight recent news updates on major health IT and technology companies:
1. Allscripts is offering free pharmacogenomics testing to its employees in the U.S. through a new voluntary program.
2. Johnson & Johnson is set to launch a controlled, multiyear study later this year to see whether the Apple's Series 4 smartwatch can accelerate the diagnosis of a leading cause of stroke.
3. Apple is rumored to be launching the next generation of its AirPods this year, which reportedly will be equipped with health-monitoring features.
4. Cerner confirmed it is offering some employees a "voluntary departure" deal.
5. Google plans to purchase smartwatch technology from American fashion designer Fossil for $40 million.
6. IBM reported $79.6 billion in revenue for 2018, up 1 percent from last year — even as its quarterly revenue continues to decline.
7. Microsoft posted a job opening for a software engineer needed to work on a new project team focused on open source development for healthcare interoperability.
8. Teladoc Health rolled out an online treatment program for back pain, dubbed "Teladoc Back Care."