Along with the improvement and advancement of IT, comes the improvement of many aspects of our lives, that’s for sure. Until now we have seen many projects aimed at improving healthcare service, diagnosis, body’s health, and more. The International consumer electronics show (CES), which was held from 7 to 10 January 2014, introduced many health gadgets and projects. It is time we see the benefits from these new ideas.
The wellness company Technogym launched the first Google Glass controlled treadmill at CES 2014. The company’s goal is to promote a better lifestyle combining the development of technology and the knowledge from medically related fields.
Connecting tablets with fitness equipment is not new, however Technogym took a step further in this approach. The tablet is using a new method (an open platform) that connects various devices to bring personalized training routines and quantified self-metric called the Unity console. Now with Google Glass users can enjoy hands free treadmill control, and that is what seems to be the best about this new project.
“It provides users with a personalized training program, favorite apps, TV programs, and entertainment and it’s open to any third party app and device, like Google Glass or the many movement tracking devices”, said Nerio Alessandri, President and Founder of Technogym.
If you want to exercise anywhere and anytime, you will need some help from Tao. This device is both very interesting and intriguing. In fact, it is a computer mouse like isometric exercise device that will challenge you to squeeze it to work out. It has over 50 different exercises that are based on the science of applying pressure. You can work out for five minutes (if you only have five minutes) on a plane, in front of the TV, anywhere, because it is portable and it fits your pocket. Tao records your exercising, sleeping patterns, calorie intake, and your heart rate as well.
Another interesting project that was introduced at CES 2014 was the 12x Sleep Number Bed. The bed is voice-activated and it can monitor your sleep, give you a massage, adjust firmness ad improve quality of sleep.
“While diet and exercise have long been the focus, sleep is emerging as an integral part of living a healthy life. You spend a third of your life in bed, and until now, you haven’t had real insight into how you sleep and what to do to improve it”, Chief Product Officer Annie Bloomquist told Mashable.
While sleeping on this bed, you can also get data about your partner’s sleeping habits. Users can also find out what disturbs their sleep, such as caffeine or TV. The bed collects data related to breathing, heart rate and movement and sends those information via Bluetooth to the iOS app.
With a new bracelet you can look very fashionable (from a designer behind Louis Vuitton and Harry Winston brands) and keep track of excessive sun exposure. The first bracelet to measure sun’s impact is called June, and is developed by Netatmo. June monitors the UV intensity (it is synchronized with an iOS device), and helps women take better care of their skin.
“The sun rays can be strong and cause sun damage even on overcast days. This product is meant to help women know when and how to protect their skin every day from sun damage”, said a company spokesperson.
There are many fitness devices with different benefits, however, Netatmo wanted a product that is attractive and feminine, but practical. The bracelet comes in gold, platinum and gunmetal, and once you pick one you won’t have to worry about your skin’s health.
Sony introduced another fitness tracker at CES, another wearable that can be used as a bracelet or armband. The fitness tracker Core is a tiny product that has sensors, and while as a wristband looks very similar to other devices, this product has the Core’s Lifelong software that can help you see your timeline, that is, you will be able to see various aspects of your life (almost like a social network).
Internet technologies are thinking about our children’s health as well, and there is now an activity tracker made for children called Zamzee. Addressing the problem of childhood obesity, the device uses behavioral psychology and games in order to make kids more active. Children can also earn real awards such as gift cards if they increase their activity. The trackers come in a variety of colors and print and they are very affordable.
If you wish to monitor your body’s muscle composition and body fat, there is a wireless device for you too. Meet Skulpt Aim, one-touch, muscle fitness measuring device you just need to hold up to parts of your body. Skulpt Aim measures the flow of electrical current through the muscles, the data from the sensors are converted into precise metrics and are displayed to a personal online dashboard. The gadget is smaller than an iPhone and it is water-resistant. The creators realized that people who start exercising often mistake muscles with fat, and stop working out due to the belief that they are gaining fat, when in fact they are gaining muscles. This device aims to solve this problem.
Muse is a headband that contains seven EKG sensors that reads brain activity. With this device you can work out in a way to manage your stress and ease your mind. The device aims to improve concentration, focus, and well-being in general (both physical and mental). Once the device collects the data from these seven sensors, it transfers it to your Smartphone, tablet or PC via Bluetooth.
Hapifork, a smart fork, which helps us eat slowly and watch our calorie intake was introduced last year, and this year, the company introduced two new products, one of which is Hapiwatch. You can wear it as an ordinary watch, and this device will monitor your sleep and stress patterns, and heart rate, all that to bring you advice on how to improve your overall health and how to relax.
Although these gadgets and products cannot solve all of our medical problems (maybe they shouldn’t), it can certainly help us improve our body’s health.
Image credit: www.technogym.com
