Category: Wearables
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Smartwatch keeps seniors independent
The Fraunhofer Institute will release a smartwatch designed specifically for seniors. It is programmed according to one’s needs and accessible to caregivers via a web portal. The device assists wearers with their daily routine, but does not monitor health issues. The system reminds users to take medication with a vibration on one’s arm or a…
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UP3 – fitness tracker or medical monitor?
As fitness tracker features become increasingly similar to those of medical devices, Jawbone will release a powerful, fashionable, sensor based wristband. The UP3 will be stylish, with its Chanel-like quilt pattern and slim form. It will also include multiple temperature and motion sensors, and four electrodes that send electrical signals into wrist tissue. Using bioimpedance analysis, the…
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Hotels offer wearable sleep monitors
As the Internet of Things mainstreams, Westin has partnered with Lark Technologies to offer sleep sensors to monitor and improve sleep quality. Guests receive a Lark Up Sleep Monitor, a Silent Alarm Clock and a Personal Sleep Coach during their stay, in an attempt to achieve optimal sleep through pattern tracking and virtual coaching.
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Microsoft aims to “unify & democratize” health data
Microsoft Band tracks heart rate, steps, calorie burn, and sleep quality. The company’s ambitious goal, according to Yusuf Mehdi, is “to unify all that (collected health) data and democratize it, and then add some real value on top.” The cross-platform cloud service, by Microsoft’s Health Group, stores and accesses all the data a device or…
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Nanoparticle sensor to detect illness early
Andrew Conrad, head of Google Lifesciences, has confirmed that the company is working on nanoparticle technology that would be swallowed, and used in combination with an external device to continuously monitor the blood to detect cancer, heart disease, and other health issues. It is known as the “Nanoparticle Platform.” While the technology is in an…
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More realistic virtual reality — Google hopes
Little is known about MagicLeap, recently backed by Google, representing an assumed commitment to the gaming space, with potential BCI applications. Patent applications suggest that the company provides display technology that can trick the human visual system better than existing virtual reality displays. Reports discuss an improved virtual reality user interface that lets one’s eyes focus on…
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Sweat sensor patch tracks health
University of Cincinnati professor Jason Heikenfeld and US Air Force Research Laboratory’s Joshua Hagen are developing a perspiration sensor patch to monitor electrolytes, metabolites and other biomarkers. The patch currently includes a sodium sensor, a voltage meter, a communications antenna, microfluidics, and a controller chip that’s externally powered by a smartphone. It is printed onto…
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Prick-free continuous glucose monitor
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System eliminates finger pricking for diabetics. The insertion of a tube under the skin is required, therefore the procedure, while continuous and comfortable, is still invasive. A user wears a sensor on the back of the upper arm, and through a small tube inserted just under the skin, it measures…
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iPhone 6, Apple Watch, Note 4, Gear S — for your health
Apple and Samsung are competing for dominance in health and fitness–and the consumer wins: The iPhone 6’s motion sensor tracks distance, steps and, for the first time, elevation. It will sync with HealthKit, designed by Mayo Clinic doctors. HealthKit stores nutrition, fitness and other vitals for doctors or others to access, and works with existing fitness…
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Brain-Computer Interface generated music
At Music Tech Fest in London, multidisciplinary artist Ma Tan won the wearables prize by generating music from his thoughts and heart. He used a 2 electrode EEG headband developed by Tel Aviv and Brown University professor Nathan Intrator to sense his emotions, and a heart monitor to sense his cardiac activity.
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Google Glass monitors heart and breathing in real time
A paper released this week by MIT Media Lab and Georgia Tech researchers claims that Google Glass can detect pulse and respiration rhythms in real time. The responses were measured using a built-in gyroscope, accelerometer and camera, with no external sensors. According to lead author Javier Hernandez, “Glass detects these physiological indicators with a very high accuracy when compared…
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Crowdfunded kinematic wearable assesses joint health
runScribe, a wearable being crowdfunded on Kickstarter, has a 9-axis kinematic sensor, capturing 3D images of a runner’s gait. It assesses foot strike type, stride length and contact time. Upgraded versions access 13 kinematic metrics, including degrees of pronation and accelerometer data. The company claims that casual through ultra-runners can benefit from the device. They are…