# CARWatchApp — Objective saliva sampling

> Objective saliva sampling (iPhone/iPad app by Portabiles GmbH.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carwatchapp/id6761441417 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Portabiles GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889657445)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Medical
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.2 · 5 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany)
- Released: 2026-06-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-23
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carwatchapp/id6761441417/reviews.md

## What is CARWatchApp?

CARWatch is an open-source research application designed to support accurate and standardized saliva sampling in psychoneuroendocrinological studies. The app enables objective recording of sampling times using barcode scans and automated reminders, reducing reliance on self-reports and improving data validity.

Originally developed for assessing the cortisol awakening response (CAR), CARWatch has evolved into a flexible framework supporting a wide range of saliva sampling protocols, including full diurnal cortisol profiling.

Researchers can configure study parameters via a companion web interface and distribute QR codes to participants for seamless setup. The app then guides participants through the sampling process, records timestamps, and logs all interactions for later analysis.

This app is a research-enablement tool and is not itself the sponsor, operator, or investigator of any specific study. It is used by external research teams and institutions to support the collection of CAR study data.

Key features include:
- Barcode-based logging of saliva samples for objective timestamping
- Flexible alarm scheduling (relative to awakening or fixed clock times)
- Support for multi-day and multi-sample study designs
- Daily overview of completed, pending, and missed samples
- Retrospective logging of missed samples
- QR code–based study configuration
- Built-in tutorial for participant guidance
- Privacy-preserving design with no backend data storage

CARWatch is intended for use in scientific studies and is not a medical device. It does not provide medical advice or diagnostics.


## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 2.0 — 2026-08-17

This release makes CARWatch smoother, clearer, and more reliable for participants during active study days.
• More reliable wakeup and sample reminders.
• A clearer schedule view that shows upcoming, active, completed, and missed samples at a glance.
• Improved study-day transitions, especially when a previous day still has unfinished samples.
• Better guidance when samples are overdue or a study day is about to be completed.
• Improved barcode scanning flow for late and missed samples.
• Clearer feedback after finishing a study day.
• Updated English, German, and French translations.
• General stability and usability improvements

### 1.1 — 2026-07-17

CARWatch now uses Apple’s AlarmKit for more reliable wakeup and sample reminders, helping participants stay on schedule even when the phone is set to silent.

This release also makes study days more robust: the app now handles missed samples more gracefully, keeps wakeup alarms moving forward, gives clearer guidance before scanning, and improves barcode validation to prevent wrong sample scans.

### 1.0.1 — 2026-06-17

This update includes improved translations and wording throughout the app, plus minor documentation and maintenance updates.

### 1.0 — 2026-06-04

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-23.*