Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Clarity Pal hands-on, a new phone for senior citizens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/clarity-pal-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/clarity-pal-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/clarity-pal-hands-on/#comments Clarity Pal hands-on, a new phone for senior citizens

In a perfect world, your grandparents wouldn't need a lick of help getting the most out of a smartphone, but let's face it: the devices are complex, and if you don't have the proper motivation, they can be a bit difficult to learn. You've previously seen the C900 from Clarity, and tonight we stumbled upon its second generation of handsets for senior citizens known as the Pal.

Similar to the predecessor, the phone features a panic button on the back that'll call and text message up to five people in the case of an emergency. Other features consist of a backlit keypad that can read aloud the numbers that are pressed, along with a talking caller ID and up to 26dB of amplification for the earpiece. We received a quick demo of this last feature, and the volume was sufficient enough to cut through a noisy room while allowing us to hear everything that was said -- in other words, we have no doubt that the Clarity Pal will be perfectly suitable for those with moderate hearing impairment. The phone is compatible with GSM networks in the US and Canada, and for more ambitious seniors, it features SMS functionality and Bluetooth for pairing with Clarity's headset. Fortunately, the company has gone through a good amount of effort to refine and simplify the menu scheme, which is quite helpful for those wanting only the basics. The Clarity Pal will be available on May 28th through the company's website and will sell for $99. If you've got someone in your life who might need a simpler phone, take a peek at the gallery below.

Gallery: Hands-on with the Clarity Pal, a new phone for senior citizens

Sean Cooper contributed to this report

Clarity Pal hands-on, a new phone for senior citizens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarityclarity palClarityPalctiactia 2012ctia wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWireless2012elderlygsmhands-onmobilepostcrosspalsenior citizensSeniorCitizensseniorsTue, 08 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newcastle University preps in-car GPS for the elderly, helps grandmum get home safely]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/newcastle-university-preps-in-car-gps-for-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/newcastle-university-preps-in-car-gps-for-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/newcastle-university-preps-in-car-gps-for-the-elderly/#comments Newcastle University preps in-car GPS for the elderly, helps grandmum get home safely

Most Engadget readers will have grown up with GPS, but the UK's Newcastle University has realized that many in the older generation might be first-timers and unfamiliar with all those keep-lefts and turn-rights. Development is underway at the school for a new satellite navigation system that would be easier and more intuitive for your grandfolks, with features that include calling out direction changes by landmark names, limiting turns to the safer variety and keeping the route off of high-speed motorways. When this might come to your local high street shop isn't known, but the university has a £12 million ($19.5 million) research grant to help sort that out.

Newcastle University preps in-car GPS for the elderly, helps grandmum get home safely originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoautomotiveautoscarcarselderlyGPSnavigationNewcastleNewcastle UniversityresearchresearchersSat NavSatellite NavigationSatelliteNavigationSatNavSci/Techunited kingdomUnitedKingdomWed, 02 May 2012 08:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing Memo Touch, a tablet designed for elders with short-term memory loss]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/introducing-memo-touch-a-tablet-designed-for-elders-with-short/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/introducing-memo-touch-a-tablet-designed-for-elders-with-short/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/introducing-memo-touch-a-tablet-designed-for-elders-with-short/#comments Here's a product you don't see every day: a tablet designed specifically for senior citizens -- albeit with rather limited functionality. The Memo Touch is designed as a reminder tool for those who struggle with short-term memory loss, and can be used to deliver gentle cues when its time to take a medication, go to the doctor and the like. It's collaborative, too, as family members may add calendar events, phone numbers and to-do items, or even share photos and personalized messages, all from the product's companion website. Based on the Archos 101, the Memo Touch sells for $299 and requires a six-month ($174) or 12-month ($300) subscription. For those who don't take to the new-fangled gadget, the tablet carries a three month return policy, where purchasers may opt to receive a refund or have the tablet restored to its Android roots. Hey, it's one more way of keeping that rascally parent under your thumb, anyway. Overbearing children will find a full press release after the break. Now, where'd we put that damn tablet?

Continue reading Introducing Memo Touch, a tablet designed for elders with short-term memory loss

Introducing Memo Touch, a tablet designed for elders with short-term memory loss originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsarchosarchos 101Archos101elder careElderCareelderlyhuman assistive techHumanAssistiveTechmemomemo touchmemory lossMemoryLossMemoTouchreminderremindersseniorsenior citizenSenior CitizensSeniorCitizenSeniorCitizensseniorssubscriptionsubscriptionstablettabletsFri, 02 Dec 2011 01:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic shows us its softer side, intros trio of high-tech robotic helpers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/panasonic-shows-us-its-softer-side-intros-trio-of-high-tech-rob/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/panasonic-shows-us-its-softer-side-intros-trio-of-high-tech-rob/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/panasonic-shows-us-its-softer-side-intros-trio-of-high-tech-rob/#comments The infirm in Japan have nothing to fear when it comes to assisted care -- except maybe for a robot revolt. From the land that gave us the robo-care bear, comes three new compassionate tech solutions for elderly care taking courtesy of Panasonic. Shown off ahead of this October's 38th International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition in Tokyo, the electronics giant has updated its currently in residence medication monger with HOSPI-Rimo -- a refreshed design that links the "bed ridden [and those with] limited mobility" to doctors, family and friends via its HD interface. And just because you're staying at home, it doesn't mean the company's Hair-Washing bot can't help you get your hair did, and listen to you complain about how the kids never come to see you anymore. For the piece de assistance, Panasonic's also gone and modded a bed that's more than meets the eye -- literally, as it transforms into an electric wheelchair to scoot you about the house. We have to hand it to the tech outfit, our latter days are starting to look pretty cutting edge.

Continue reading Panasonic shows us its softer side, intros trio of high-tech robotic helpers

Panasonic shows us its softer side, intros trio of high-tech robotic helpers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistive technologyAssistiveTechnologyelderlyelderly careelderly care robotElderlyCareElderlyCareRobotHair Washing RobotHairWashingRobotHOSPI-RimoInternational Home Care and Rehabilitation ExhibitionInternationalHomeCareAndRehabilitationExhibitionJapanJapanesePanasonicRobotic BedRoboticBedvideoWed, 28 Sep 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[KDDI's Mi-Look watches your elderly parents, treats them like prisoners (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/kddis-mi-look-watches-your-elderly-parents-treats-them-like-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/kddis-mi-look-watches-your-elderly-parents-treats-them-like-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/kddis-mi-look-watches-your-elderly-parents-treats-them-like-pr/#comments KDDI's looking out for Japan's elderly, or putting them under house arrest -- it's hard to tell which. Hitting stores this September in the land of human-assistive tech, the Kyocera designed Mi-Look is a simplified GPS-capable, mobile-monitoring system that puts you in control of your Luddite parents. The waterproof device packs a strap-activated "I've fallen and I can't get up" buzzer and comes in an appealing shade of hospital white, all while keeping track of your folk's whereabouts. Seems innocent enough, right? Well, it's not really up to Ma and Pa to opt-out of location tracking -- the phone does it automatically, emailing a list of relatives with coordinates and distance traveled. And for that extra special Lindsay Lohan-lockdown touch, the charging port's sensor will not only count the number of times your rents pass by, it'll also answer calls automagically. Starting to feel a little bad about this? We don't blame you, but keep in mind the compassionate tech's being targeted to patients with memory loss issues. Still, we have a suspicion those with claims of a "stolen childhood" might be using this as revenge. Payback's a cellphone, apparently. Video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading KDDI's Mi-Look watches your elderly parents, treats them like prisoners (video)

KDDI's Mi-Look watches your elderly parents, treats them like prisoners (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyemergency servicesEmergencyServiceshuman assistive techHumanAssistiveTechJapanJapaneseKDDIKDDI Mi LookKDDI Mi-LookKddiMi-lookKddiMiLooklocation trackingLocationTrackingMi LookMi-LookMiLookmobilemobile monitormobile phoneMobileMonitorMobilePhonepedometerpedometersvideoThu, 21 Jul 2011 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Elderly Georgian lady disconnects Armenian internet for half a day... by accident]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/elderly-georgian-lady-disconnects-armenian-internet-for-half-a-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/elderly-georgian-lady-disconnects-armenian-internet-for-half-a-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/elderly-georgian-lady-disconnects-armenian-internet-for-half-a-d/#comments A 75-year old lady from Georgia (the country, not the state) has perpetrated an impressive feat of international sabotage in what seems to have been an accident of extremely bad luck. While foraging for copper wire near her home in the village of Ksani, the unnamed septuagenarian managed to come across a critical fiber optic cable, one responsible for serving internet connectivity to "90 percent of private and corporate internet users in Armenia" and some in her own country as well. Her swift strike at the heart of said bit-transferring pipeline resulted in all those folks being thrown offline for a solid 12 hours, while the Georgian Railway Telecom worked to find and correct the fault. In spite of her relatively benign motivations, the lady now faces three years in prison for the damage she caused. We'd say all's well that ends well, but this doesn't actually seem like a very happy ending at all.

Elderly Georgian lady disconnects Armenian internet for half a day... by accident originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentarmeniacablescablingcopperelderlyfiber opticFiberOpticgeorgiageorgian railway telecomGeorgianRailwayTelecominternationalinternetmetalsabotagescavengescavengingscrapscrap metalScrapMetalwirewiringWed, 06 Apr 2011 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Voice-controlled Japanese robot assists with eating, makes veggies more fun (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/voice-controlled-japanese-robot-assists-with-eating-makes-veggi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/voice-controlled-japanese-robot-assists-with-eating-makes-veggi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/voice-controlled-japanese-robot-assists-with-eating-makes-veggi/#comments

Isao Wakabayashi, a student at Chukyo University in Japan, seems to have made the arduous chore of eating easier. Using a customized version of a Robix robot kit, Wakabayashi coded a program that makes the feeder recognize individual food items and feed them to you. The meal-assistant features two arms, dexterous enough to handle utensils, and can be controlled using your voice. In theory, this system would be ideal for the elderly, folks that currently have trouble eating by themselves, or you know -- for those that may or may not be too lazy to bring food to their face.

Voice-controlled Japanese robot assists with eating, makes veggies more fun (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistantchukyochukyo universityChukyoUniversityelderlyfeederfoodisaojapanjapaneseroboixrobotroboticsrobotsvideovoicevoice recognitionvoice recognition robotVoiceRecognitionVoiceRecognitionRobotwakabayashiWed, 23 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Romeo, grandma's new french robot lover]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/meet-romeo-grandmas-new-french-robot-lover/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/meet-romeo-grandmas-new-french-robot-lover/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/meet-romeo-grandmas-new-french-robot-lover/#comments Our buddies over at Aldebaran Robotics in France, makers of the cute little Nao robot, have returned with a new elderly care robot, dubbed Romeo. The much larger humanoid stands 1.4 meters tall (a bit over four and half feet) in his gunmetal Speedo and weighs 40 kilograms (88 pounds). Romeo features 37-degrees of freedom, a four-vertebra backbone, articulated feet, a composite leg exoskeleton, and a revised actuator giving the robot safer control over its limbs. The clean-shaven bot also features a "partially soft torso" -- at least until grandma unleashes her charms. The bot interacts via natural speech and gestures to perform tasks such as taking out the trash, lifting a cup with its four-fingered hand, or fetching food from the kitchen. Romeo will join a long line of robots destined to entertain and help care for the aged and infirmed when he's unveiled in March at a cost of about €250,000 (about $330,000).

Meet Romeo, grandma's new french robot lover originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aldebaran RoboticsAldebaranRoboticscare robotCareRobotelderlyelderly careelderly care robotElderlyCareElderlyCareRobotfrancehome carehome care robothome robotHomeCareHomeCareRobotHomeRobotrobotromeoMon, 20 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu's social robot bear is the supertoy of Kubrick's dreams, almost (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/fujitsus-social-robot-bear-is-the-supertoy-of-kubricks-dreams/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/fujitsus-social-robot-bear-is-the-supertoy-of-kubricks-dreams/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/fujitsus-social-robot-bear-is-the-supertoy-of-kubricks-dreams/#comments Ah, the Fujitsu bear cub social robot. What child or elderly person should go without a "people-friendly terminal" with snuggly-soft fur and a camera in lieu of the ever-popular button nose? The little guy made the rounds briefly earlier this year, but this is our first time making acquaintances. The duo waved at us, waved with us, laughed with (at?) us, and then at some point, decided to arbitrarily fall asleep and ignore us -- just like our actual friends! The representative told us this prototype -- with a reported 300 actions from 12 actuators (three face, three neck, and six in the body), 13 skin touch sensors, hand grip sensors, a tilt sensor, and a microphone -- is a ways off from hitting the childcare / nursing home market. For now, enjoy the pictures below and footage after the break... and if all this seems eerily familiar, hey, we're with you. A wink and a nod in that direction can be found via the second video.

Gallery: Fujitsu bear cub social robot hands-on

Continue reading Fujitsu's social robot bear is the supertoy of Kubrick's dreams, almost (video)

Fujitsu's social robot bear is the supertoy of Kubrick's dreams, almost (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiai filmAiFilmbearceatecceatec 2010Ceatec2010childrencuteelderlyfujitsuhands-onrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypsesuper toySuperToyteddy 3000teddy bearTeddy3000TeddyBearvideoTue, 05 Oct 2010 02:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic's hair-washing robot: rinse, kill, repeat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/panasonics-hair-washing-robot-rinse-kill-repeat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/panasonics-hair-washing-robot-rinse-kill-repeat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/panasonics-hair-washing-robot-rinse-kill-repeat/#comments If Panasonic can build an exercise horse then surely a robot that washes your hair should come as no surprise. Imagine being lifted from your robotic bed by a plush care-assist robot and placed into a chair for an automatic shampoo and scalp massage. That is the future of care for the elderly and sick in Japan, or the rich and lazy everywhere else. Panasonic's hair-washing robot scans each human head three-dimensionally to apply just the right amount of pressure during the shampoo, massage, and rinse phases. It recognizes repeat customers and then applies that person's preferred massage course using its human-like sixteen "fingers." Each arm contains a trio of motors to power swing, press, and massage motions... or to snap your spinal column should you decide to sass.

Continue reading Panasonic's hair-washing robot: rinse, kill, repeat

Panasonic's hair-washing robot: rinse, kill, repeat originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carecare assistanceCareAssistanceelderlyelderly careElderlyCarehairhair washingHairWashinghealthhealth careHealthCarejapanpanasonicrobotshampoosick careSickCarewashFri, 24 Sep 2010 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Kompott 'robotic agent' helps the elderly stay connected, enjoys a nap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/kompott-robotic-agent-helps-the-eldery-stay-connected-enjoys/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/kompott-robotic-agent-helps-the-eldery-stay-connected-enjoys/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/kompott-robotic-agent-helps-the-eldery-stay-connected-enjoys/#comments
Full-fledged humanoid robots helping the elderly are certainly well and good, but what about somebody that just needs a little help staying in touch with their family? They might one day be using something like this so-called Kompott "robotic agent" designed by some students at the Zurich University of the Arts Interaction Design lab. As you can see, it's actually just a robot head, which has a touchscreen for a face and a couple of sensors that let you tap it on top to wake it up, and on each side to scroll through items. To simplify things even further, the bot also boasts both voice recognition and text-to-speech, and a single button on its chest that lets you access a list of contacts. Of course, it's still just a prototype, but it does appear to be fully functional -- head on past the break to check it out in action.

Continue reading Kompott 'robotic agent' helps the elderly stay connected, enjoys a nap

Kompott 'robotic agent' helps the elderly stay connected, enjoys a nap originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityassistantelderlykompottrobot assistantRobotAssistantrobotic agentrobotic assistanceRoboticAgentRoboticAssistanceseniorseniorsvideoZurich University of the ArtsZurich University of the Arts Interaction Design labZurichUniversityOfTheArtsZurichUniversityOfTheArtsInteractionDesignLabSun, 11 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Robovie R3 all set to assist, freak out elderly and handicapped shoppers this November (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/robovie-r3-all-set-to-assist-freak-out-elderly-and-handicapped/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/robovie-r3-all-set-to-assist-freak-out-elderly-and-handicapped/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/robovie-r3-all-set-to-assist-freak-out-elderly-and-handicapped/#comments The Robovie R3 is the latest in a distinguished line of humanoid bots developed for the purposes of research, discovery, and (a tiny bit of) geeky fun. Following its predecessor's footsteps -- the R2 secured employment as a guide to lost shoppers -- the R3 will be making its mall debut in November of this year, where it'll assist people by carrying their shopping, providing information about nearby products, and holding their hand as it guides them through the crowds. Intended as a way to get elderly and handicapped people back out into the community, this is part of a viability study for the robot's usefulness, and if it finds success maybe its anime eyes and dalek form factor will find their way outside Japan as well. Video of the R3 after the break.

Continue reading Robovie R3 all set to assist, freak out elderly and handicapped shoppers this November (video)

Robovie R3 all set to assist, freak out elderly and handicapped shoppers this November (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistantassistant robotAssistantRobotatrbotdroneelderlyhandicappedhumanoidmallpersonal assistantPersonalAssistantr3researchresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopmentrobotrobovierobovie r3RobovieR3shoppingshopping guideshopping mallShoppingGuideShoppingMallviabilityvideovstoneWed, 05 May 2010 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu's robot bear designed to win over the elderly, but we're on to it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/02/fujitsus-robot-bear-designed-to-win-over-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/02/fujitsus-robot-bear-designed-to-win-over-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/02/fujitsus-robot-bear-designed-to-win-over-the-elderly/#comments
Man, what is it with Japan, robots, and the elderly? We've been hearing about projects like RI-MAN and Ninomiya-kun for years now. And sure, it looks good on paper -- design an ultra-realistic (or ultra-cute) robot, stick it in a room with the unloved elderly person in your life, and forget about the lot of 'em. The problem? Apparently the aforementioned "olds" don't like it one bit. In fact, it seems that they'd prefer a stuffed animal. Not to be outdone by this admittedly low-tech solution, Fujitsu has built a prototype Teddy that features a camera for face tracking, a network of touch sensors, and a catalog of 300 responses to various stimulus -- "which range from giggling and laughing, waving its paws around, and pretending to fall asleep complete with recorded snores," according to SlashGear. Another possible use for the as-yet-unnamed bear would be for school children. Who wuvs our cuddly robot overlords? We do, don't we? Yes we do...

Fujitsu's robot bear designed to win over the elderly, but we're on to it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bearchildrencuteelderlyfujitsurobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseroboticsteddy bearTeddyBearFri, 02 Apr 2010 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Robosoft Kompai takes care of your elderly so you don't have to (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/robosoft-kompai-takes-care-of-your-elderly-so-you-dont-have-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/robosoft-kompai-takes-care-of-your-elderly-so-you-dont-have-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/robosoft-kompai-takes-care-of-your-elderly-so-you-dont-have-to/#comments This one has been quite a long time in coming, but Robosoft's service drone has finally made it off the drawing board, collected a catchy name, and headed off to the big world to seek its fortune as an R&D platform. Kompai is a personal assistance bot built around speech -- it understands basic instructions and requests and offers appropriate responses with its own monotonic style. It'll serve as a note and shopping list recorder, a calendar, a music player, or a video conferencing tool for when old grandpappy needs to call his doctor. If you think having a programmable hunk of mobile metal that's permanently connected to the net in your house is a good idea, look out for OEMs picking up the design during the Intercompany Long Term Care Insurance Conference taking place next week. And if you just wanna see a bug-eyed bot talk to an old dude, click past the break for the video.

[Thanks, Erico]

Continue reading Robosoft Kompai takes care of your elderly so you don't have to (video)

Robosoft Kompai takes care of your elderly so you don't have to (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistanceassistantbotdroneelderlyelderly assistantElderlyAssistantkompaipersonal assistantPersonalAssistantrobosoftrobotserviceservice robotServiceRobotvideoWed, 10 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Valerie Singleton wants more Facebook friends, promotes Linux for the elderly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/valerie-singleton-wants-more-facebook-friends-promotes-linux-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/valerie-singleton-wants-more-facebook-friends-promotes-linux-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/valerie-singleton-wants-more-facebook-friends-promotes-linux-fo/#commentsWe're not really sure whether to consider this patronizing or genuinely useful. Former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton, who is herself at an advanced age now, has partnered with Wessex Computers to create a custom Linux desktop targeted at easing the elderly into the use of a computer. Dubbed SimplicITy (the Brits do love their puns), it features only six chunky buttons that lead to a web or file browser, chat, email and profile apps, and awesomely enough, video tutorials from Valerie herself. Once you get your web-legs under you and feel confident enough to handle more complexity, you can disable the SimplicITy desktop and use a more conventional Linux distro. Hit the read link for a video of one lady's reaction to the software.

Filed under: ,

Valerie Singleton wants more Facebook friends, promotes Linux for the elderly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilitycomputersdesktopelderlyinternetlinuxoperating systemOperatingSystemospatronizingsimplicitysplashtopsquare oneSquareOnevalerie singletonValerieSingletonWed, 11 Nov 2009 06:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu goes multitouch with a bevy of Windows 7 machines (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/fujitsu-goes-multitouch-with-a-bevy-of-windows-7-machines-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/fujitsu-goes-multitouch-with-a-bevy-of-windows-7-machines-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/fujitsu-goes-multitouch-with-a-bevy-of-windows-7-machines-video/#comments Not that there's any shortage of choice in the touchscreen all-in-one space, but Fujitsu seems keen on covering all the bases with its latest product unveiling. The headline F series (pictured) will be powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 processor, which represents 2.53GHz of ultra-efficient and plenty capable laptop hardware, and 4GB of RAM. Machines can be had in 23- or 20-inch varieties, with respective resolutions of 1920 x 1080 and 1600 x 900. There's also the MT series of 12.1-inch convertible tablets, which come with WACOM functionality and up to an SU9400 Intel CPU. Perhaps the most esoteric new offerings, however, are the NF/ER (laptops) and F/ER (desktops), which combine the hip new multitouch skills with specially designed keyboard and mouse inputs, as well as a support hotline, all in the name of getting the older generation in on the computing craze. Video lies after the break, or check out the Akihabara News link below for a full gallery of images.

[Via Akihabara News]

Gallery: Fujitsu goes multitouch with a bevy of Windows 7 machines

Continue reading Fujitsu goes multitouch with a bevy of Windows 7 machines (video)

Filed under:

Fujitsu goes multitouch with a bevy of Windows 7 machines (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-oneall-in-one pcAll-in-onePcconvertibleconvertible tabletConvertibleTabletelderlyER seriesErSeriesF seriesFSeriesfujitsuMT seriesMtSeriesmultitouchnetvertibletablettouchscreenwacomwindows 7Windows7Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Taizo the robot teaches grandpa how to stretch, so you don't have to]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/video-taizo-the-robot-teaches-grandpa-how-to-stretch-so-you-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/video-taizo-the-robot-teaches-grandpa-how-to-stretch-so-you-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/video-taizo-the-robot-teaches-grandpa-how-to-stretch-so-you-do/#comments You know, maybe we were wrong-headed to keep harping on this 'evil robot' meme. Sure, there are some no-goodniks in the robot community (as opposed to the robotics community, which we assure you is full of hard-working, well-meaning people) but look at all the good robots have done for us: they build our cars, serve us hot drinks, teach our young children, and now they help our oldsters with the physical therapy. Taizo, pictured here, is a delightful chap with a bulbous visage and a fun, plushy space suit who stands just over 24-inches tall and weighs 15.5 pounds. Operating for about two hours on a single charge, the robot is designed to lead low-impact group exercise (mostly while sitting down) and features voice recognition and a library of thirty different exercises. With 26 joints in its body, it's a flexible fellow, for sure. We just hope that no one weaponizes the thing. Video after the break.

Gallery: Taizo the robot teaches grandpa how to stretch



[Via Engadget German]

Continue reading Video: Taizo the robot teaches grandpa how to stretch, so you don't have to

Filed under:

Video: Taizo the robot teaches grandpa how to stretch, so you don't have to originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyexerciseexercise robotExerciseRobotjapanphysical therapyPhysicalTherapyrobotrobotsseniorsseniors and exerciseSeniorsAndExercisetaizoSun, 13 Sep 2009 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: Good input device(s) and user interfaces for the 'over 80 crowd?']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/ask-engadget-good-input-device-s-and-user-interfaces-for-the/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/ask-engadget-good-input-device-s-and-user-interfaces-for-the/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/20/ask-engadget-good-input-device-s-and-user-interfaces-for-the/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from a very concerned Mike, who is hoping to give his grandmother a way to properly interact with a laptop.
"I am trying to configure out a really dumbed down and intuitive PC for my grandmother. She recently had a stroke and while she is under my care I would like to repurpose a laptop for her to surf and email her children. Anyone have any experience with what input devices and UI's are really understandable for the over 80 crowd?"
We know this is a bit "out there" for Ask Engadget, but we get the feeling Mike isn't alone here. Anyone have any experience with unorthodox input devices and UIs designed for those with limited mobility and / or weakened vision? Spill the goods in comments below!

Filed under: , ,

Ask Engadget: Good input device(s) and user interfaces for the 'over 80 crowd?' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetdiyelderlyfeatureshackhackshandicaphandicappedlaptopmodmodsumpcThu, 20 Aug 2009 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers advance remote monitoring systems for the elderly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/researchers-advance-remote-monitoring-systems-for-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/researchers-advance-remote-monitoring-systems-for-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/researchers-advance-remote-monitoring-systems-for-the-elderly/#comments
Assistive technologies are old hat, but a team of researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington (among other institutions) is working to provide a more robust, all-inclusive option for elderly individuals who'd prefer to age gracefully within their own domiciles. In theory, sensors could be embedded throughout seniors' homes in order to "detect when the residents have sleepless nights or forget to take their medication." From there, caregivers would be alerted and could react remotely via a web-based communications portal. The UTA lab that's perfecting the idea currently utilizes a single room equipped with cameras, motion detectors and robots, and professors / students keep a close eye on any movement that gets recorded and transferring to computers for processing. If all goes well, a collaboratively built "home of the future" will actually be on display at CES 2009, likely showcasing some of these very advancements.

[Image courtesy of Michael Mulvey / DMN, thanks Travis]

Filed under: ,

Researchers advance remote monitoring systems for the elderly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistive technologyAssistiveTechnologyelderlyhandicaphealthmedicalresearchuniversityUTAWed, 15 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wearable airbags keep the elderly from hitting the ground so hard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/wearable-airbags-keep-the-elderly-from-hitting-the-ground-so-har/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/wearable-airbags-keep-the-elderly-from-hitting-the-ground-so-har/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/wearable-airbags-keep-the-elderly-from-hitting-the-ground-so-har/#comments
Elderly? Enfeebled? Just plain clumsy? Tokyo-based Prop has your back. Its newly announced personal, wearable airbag looks like a cool fanny-pack and weighs a mere 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds) -- but springs forth in one-tenth of a second when sensors detect you're headed for the floor, protecting your head and ass with two inflated bags that contain 3.9 gallons of gas each. Similar to the various airbag-equipped suits already used by some motorcyclists, the airbag is yours for a cool ¥148,000 ($1,400). Or you could just not fall down.

[Thanks, Steve]

Filed under:

Wearable airbags keep the elderly from hitting the ground so hard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagelderlymotorcyclePropwearable airbagsWearableAirbagsWed, 24 Sep 2008 23:38:00 EST<![CDATA[GM designing car windshield that does the looking for us]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/gm-designing-car-windshield-that-does-the-looking-for-us/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/gm-designing-car-windshield-that-does-the-looking-for-us/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/gm-designing-car-windshield-that-does-the-looking-for-us/#comments
Apparently not everyone at General Motors is toiling away in an attempt to get the Volt ready for its 2010 debut, as another sector of the outfit's R&D division is busy creating a windshield that will, at its core, enable us to stop running stuff over. The futuristic glass would utilize lasers, sensors and cameras in order to help drivers see the road's edge better, recognize obstructions and enhance things ahead of us so we'll theoretically react faster. Truth be told, the device is being designed with older drivers in mind, though we don't see why younger motorists won't benefit all the same. Unfortunately, it sounds as if you'll have to keep those toothpicks in your eyelids for a few more years, but at least we're one step closer to full-on autopilot.

Filed under:

GM designing car windshield that does the looking for us originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agingdriverdrivingelderlyeyesfewGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMlaserlasersocularseesensorsensorsvisionwindshieldFri, 18 Jul 2008 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Oversized keyboard cranks up the font size on keys]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/oversized-keyboard-cranks-up-the-font-size-on-keys/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/oversized-keyboard-cranks-up-the-font-size-on-keys/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/oversized-keyboard-cranks-up-the-font-size-on-keys/#comments
If you're the type who just can't view a website without slamming the Control key and flinging that scroll wheel down (or up, we suppose) in order to gigantify the on-screen text, this here keyboard has your name written all over it. Offered up at Taylor Gifts, this unit actually doesn't seem much / any larger than your average KB, but each key sports a relatively prominent letter that aims to make typing much easier for the visually impaired. You can order yours now for $19.98.

[Via The Red Ferret Journal]

Filed under:

Oversized keyboard cranks up the font size on keys originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlygiftkeyboardoversizedOversized keyboardOversizedKeyboardtypingMon, 23 Jun 2008 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft developing ad-funded, senior PCs in UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/microsoft-developing-ad-funded-senior-pcs-in-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/microsoft-developing-ad-funded-senior-pcs-in-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/microsoft-developing-ad-funded-senior-pcs-in-uk/#commentsThe geriatric set most definitely has plenty of cellphones catered to them, but finding a computer that's equally simple to operate isn't nearly as easy. According to a BBC report stemming from a Digital Inclusion conference in London, Microsoft UK is aiming to develop a "senior PC" which will feature a simplistic interface and come tweaked to handle tasks such as managing prescriptions and photos. The outfit is teaming up with charities Age Concern and Help the Aged, and it's just one of the many projects meant to tackle the issue of "digitally excluding" millions of citizens. Additionally, Microsoft is working up an "ad-funded PC" that would come preloaded with a step-by-step guide to get online, remain safe, perform "simple computer tasks" and, of course, fire up Doom. Just kidding about that last part... maybe.

Filed under:

Microsoft developing ad-funded, senior PCs in UK originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age ConcernAgeConcernelderlyHelp the AgedHelpTheAgedinterfaceMicrosoftsenior pcSeniorPcukWed, 30 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Think tank envisions robots filling jobs en masse in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/09/think-tank-envisions-robots-filling-jobs-en-masse-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/09/think-tank-envisions-robots-filling-jobs-en-masse-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/09/think-tank-envisions-robots-filling-jobs-en-masse-in-japan/#commentsWe've known think tanks to come up with some fairly unbelievable determinations before, but the Machine Industry Memorial Foundation may not be too far off with its latest assessment. It's suggesting that the jobs of 3.5 million people in Japan could be filled not with younger folks, but with mechanical creatures by 2025. Currently, Japan's population is declining, and the proportion of those 65-years and up is continually swelling; analysts are asserting that the nation could save around ¥2.1 trillion ($21 billion) in elderly insurance payments by 2025 if it relies on robots (instead of humans) to monitor the health of the geriatric set. Of course, Japan's been creating bots to do our dirty work for years, so it's not like the idea of being ruled by robotic overlords is a completely foreign concept over there or anything.

[Via I4U News]

Filed under:

Think tank envisions robots filling jobs en masse in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyjapanrobotssocietyworker botsWorkerBotsworkingWed, 09 Apr 2008 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[GPS-equipped walkers promise to keep elderly patients on track]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/28/gps-equipped-walkers-promise-to-keep-elderly-patients-on-track/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/28/gps-equipped-walkers-promise-to-keep-elderly-patients-on-track/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/28/gps-equipped-walkers-promise-to-keep-elderly-patients-on-track/#comments
We've already seen GPS used to track elderly patients, but some student researchers now look to be taking the idea one step further, with them outfitting some nursing center patients' walkers with a GPS system that helps guide them around. While the exact technical details are a bit unclear, the system apparently uses GPS when the patients are out and about, and relies on a WiFi-based system to direct 'em around inside the nursing center itself. The entire system has also obviously been about as simplified as possible, with it boasting just five buttons and large arrows pointing the way to the patients' destination. As a student project, however, it's still quite a ways from gaining any widespread use, although it has apparently been at use at the one nursing center their testing it at for several months already. Let's just hope folks don't take to relying on it too much -- we all know where that can lead.

[Thanks, Jack]

Filed under:

GPS-equipped walkers promise to keep elderly patients on track originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlygpswalkerThu, 28 Feb 2008 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[iPods won't crash your pacemaker says the FDA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/01/ipods-wont-crash-your-pacemaker-says-the-fda/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/01/ipods-wont-crash-your-pacemaker-says-the-fda/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/01/ipods-wont-crash-your-pacemaker-says-the-fda/#comments
It turns out that 17-year-olds probably aren't that good at studying electrical interference -- and its effect on pacemakers -- created by iPods. Unlike the data presented to the Heart Rhythm Society last year by a high-school student, which demonstrated the music player's ability to interfere with heart-regulating devices, the FDA now says that the gadgets are completely safe for use. Researchers measured magnetic fields produced by four different models of Apple's ubiquitous device, and found no reason why your grandmother can't keep jamming to her South of Heaven reissue. Said FDA researcher Howard Bassen, "Based on the observations of our in-vitro study we conclude that no interference effects can occur in pacemakers exposed to the iPods we tested." We hope the FDA will follow this up with a definitive study on the effects of boomboxes on hip implants.

iPods won't crash your pacemaker says the FDA originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleelderlyelectrical interferenceElectricalInterferencefdafood and drug administrationFoodAndDrugAdministrationipodipodspacemakerpacemakersstudyFri, 01 Feb 2008 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii bowler beats real bowler in senior videogame tourney]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/26/wii-bowler-beats-real-bowler-in-senior-videogame-tourney/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/26/wii-bowler-beats-real-bowler-in-senior-videogame-tourney/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/26/wii-bowler-beats-real-bowler-in-senior-videogame-tourney/#comments Proving once again that athleticism and real-world experience have little bearing on the outcome of Wii Sports matches, a 79-year-old bowler was defeated by an 84-year-old who'd only recently picked up the game -- virtually -- in their retirement community's latest Nintendo tournament. Obviously a popular pastime among the senior crowd, playing Wii has gotten so big at the 3000-resident Riderwood complex in Montgomery County, Maryland that semi-regular tournies are held in the various events, with underdog Nancy Davies (not pictured) upsetting previous champ Hal Winters (also not pictured) in the most recent excitement-filled Bowling final. When asked to comment on the 202 to 182 stunner, the few other folks who were both awake at the time and able to remember the action agreed that the match was surely one for the record books.

[Via TG Daily]

Filed under:

Wii bowler beats real bowler in senior videogame tourney originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyhumornintendoseniorstournamentwiiwii bowlingWiiBowlingWed, 26 Dec 2007 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[4HomeMedia's HealthPoint 1500 provides remote health monitoring]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/13/4homemedias-healthpoint-1500-provides-remote-health-monitoring/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/13/4homemedias-healthpoint-1500-provides-remote-health-monitoring/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/13/4homemedias-healthpoint-1500-provides-remote-health-monitoring/#commentsThere's not a lot to go on just yet, but 4HomeMedia looks to be invading the ever-expanding home healthcare industry with the HealthPoint 1500. Dubbed an open-standards home health hub, the device reportedly provides remote health monitoring, offers up "in-home benefits" for elders and keeps friends, family and caregivers connected via a fully customizable Health Portal. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of details beyond that, but stay tuned for further developments.

Filed under:

4HomeMedia's HealthPoint 1500 provides remote health monitoring originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4homemediaelderlyhealthHealthPoint 1500Healthpoint1500hhp 1500Hhp1500home healthhome healthcareHomeHealthHomeHealthcareTue, 13 Nov 2007 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese seniors shun their robotic overlords]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/japanese-seniors-shun-their-robotic-overlords/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/japanese-seniors-shun-their-robotic-overlords/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/japanese-seniors-shun-their-robotic-overlords/#comments
According to reports out of Tokyo, Japanese senior citizens are being turned off when robots get switched on. Ifbot, a helper-robot at a Japanese nursing home which can converse, sing, express emotions, quiz seniors, and perform mercy killings (okay, that last one isn't true), has apparently not been a hit with the elderly residents. "The residents liked Ifbot for about a month before they lost interest," says Yasuko Sawada, the Kyoto-based facility's director, adding, "Stuffed animals are more popular." The news backs up what University of Tokyo geriatric social worker Ruth Campbell says, "Most (elderly) people are not interested in robots. They see robots as overly-complicated and unpractical." Apparently, Japanese electronics-makers have been scrambling to produce robotic assistants for the nation's elderly (which will make up 40-percent of its population by mid-century), but the seniors have been shunning the overly complex companions. This comes as no surprise to us, of course, as our grandparents have been complaining about the "picture radio" for decades.

Filed under:

Japanese seniors shun their robotic overlords originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlynursing homesNursingHomesretirement homeRetirementHomerobot assistantsRobotAssistantsrobotic helpersRoboticHelperssenior citizensSeniorCitizensThu, 20 Sep 2007 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Wii continues to be a smash with seniors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/nintendos-wii-continues-to-be-a-smash-with-seniors/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/nintendos-wii-continues-to-be-a-smash-with-seniors/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/nintendos-wii-continues-to-be-a-smash-with-seniors/#comments
We know that Nintendo's Wii has been a massive hit with families, but we've also noticed a growing trend with the physically-interactive game system that is honestly a bit of a surprise -- apparently, senior citizens can't put their Wiimotes down. Similar to stories we've seen before, the UK's gossip rag The Sun is reporting that seniors at the Sunrise Home in Birmingham, UK, have taken to the console like super-old fish to water. The pensioners at the institution have been engaging in knock-down, drag-out contests in Wii Sports -- playing tennis, boxing, and bowling with a cut-throat competitiveness not seen since the Dark Ages. Barrie Edgar, 88, one of the home's residents said, "It's great fun. We've only had it a few days but we can't put it down." Mr. Edgar then glanced at Tilda Montgomery, another Sunrise Home occupant and exclaimed, "Prepare to be pwned, you old bird."

[Thanks, Arnar]

Filed under:

Nintendo's Wii continues to be a smash with seniors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitionelderlynintendorest homeRestHomeretirement homeRetirementHomesenior citizensSeniorCitizensthe sunTheSunwiiFri, 14 Sep 2007 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobie: the fondling robot to the gods]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/28/kobie-the-fondling-robot-to-the-gods/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/28/kobie-the-fondling-robot-to-the-gods/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/28/kobie-the-fondling-robot-to-the-gods/#comments
Meet Kobie, the cuddly Koala on what appears to be life-support. We think Babelfish translation says is best, "it is a fondling elder brother robot of the nose Allah form which gives an emotional stability." Indeed. By which we assume they mean the latest in elderly care robots. This one, developed by Korea's ETRI can detect its owner's touches and react with a reassuring leg thumping and realistic movement of the head and torso. That's sweet.

Filed under:

Kobie: the fondling robot to the gods originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyetrikoalakobiekoreas.koreaThu, 28 Jun 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alzheimer's patients, caregivers receiving VeriMed RFID chips]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/11/alzheimers-patients-caregivers-receiving-verimed-rfid-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/11/alzheimers-patients-caregivers-receiving-verimed-rfid-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/11/alzheimers-patients-caregivers-receiving-verimed-rfid-chips/#commentsCaring for those with Alzheimer's could be getting a whole lot less stressful, as VeriChip has reportedly doled out 25 VeriMed RFID implantable microchips at the Alzheimer's Community Care 2007 Alzheimer's Educational Conference. Of course, these aren't the first invasive chips that the company has crammed under folks' skin for one reason or another, but these data packin' devices are aiming to provide medical personnel "quick access to identification and medical records information in an emergency situation." Interestingly, not much else was said about future rollouts beyond this small sample trial, but we can't imagine these not showing up en masse (and in humans) once it gets the green light from regulators.

Filed under: ,

Alzheimer's patients, caregivers receiving VeriMed RFID chips originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlzheimerscarecaregiverdiseaseelderlyhealthImplantablemedicalremote careRemoteCarerfidverichipverimedMon, 11 Jun 2007 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan looking to establish wireless island]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/15/japan-looking-to-establish-wireless-island/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/15/japan-looking-to-establish-wireless-island/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/15/japan-looking-to-establish-wireless-island/#commentsHonestly, we're a bit freaked out right here in the US of A with all the RFID tags floating around in various forms, but Japan is planning to take tagging to the extreme by creating an island where there's just no escapin' it. The nation is looking to set up an "experimental landmass" where a smorgasbord of sensors will "allow doctors to remotely monitor the health of the elderly," and in another instance, "monitor the movement of pedestrians and notify nearby drivers." Additionally, IC tags could be implanted into produce in order to divulge information such as where it was grown to a shopper's mobile phone. Reportedly, the government is talking with local telecom carriers, electronics manufacturers, automakers, and several "other companies" as it attempts to assemble the pieces, and while no specific test site has been nailed down just yet, "the northern island of Hokkaido or southern island chain of Okinawa" are currently the most likely candidates.

[Via Textually]

Filed under: , ,

Japan looking to establish wireless island originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2007 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertbig brotherBigBrotherbroadbanddoctordoctorselderlyhealthHokkaidohospitalic tagic tagsIcTagIcTagsinternetmedicalmonitorOkinawapedestriansrfidsensorsensorsshoppingwifiwifi zoneWifiZonewireless zoneWirelessZoneTue, 15 May 2007 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Emporia's "emporiaLife" for the silver set]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/17/emporias-emporialife-for-the-silver-set/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/17/emporias-emporialife-for-the-silver-set/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/17/emporias-emporialife-for-the-silver-set/#comments
Emporia focuses on handsets for the older generation and the "emporiaLife" is no exception, targeted squarely at folks 50 and up. Featuring giant-sized keys and the "granddaddy" (pun completely intended) of all screens, this is a potential goldmine market for those wanting to gift cellies to their grandparents or aging parents. On the bottom of this oversized handset is a giant round red heart button that dials an emergency number in case of disaster. Another handy feature is the speakerphone and a screaming-loud ringer, and by screaming-loud we mean scare-the-kids-out-of-the-playground loud. We are immediately struck with nostalgic thoughts of "I've fallen and I can't get up" commercials of days gone by. Pics are on the next pages; extra large, of course, for your aged eyes' appreciation.

Filed under: , ,

Emporia's "emporiaLife" for the silver set originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cebiteasy accessEasyAccesselderlyemporiaemporia lifeEmporiaLifegsmmobileoldothersSat, 17 Mar 2007 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo's latest FOMA device aids the elderly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/11/ntt-docomos-latest-foma-device-aids-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/11/ntt-docomos-latest-foma-device-aids-the-elderly/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/11/ntt-docomos-latest-foma-device-aids-the-elderly/#commentsProviding emergency assistant kits for the geriatric set seems to be all the rage these days, and now NTT DoCoMo is jumping into the mix in a presumed attempt to look after the constantly aging Japanese population. The firm's latest FOMA device is designed for bedridden individuals who aren't exactly as dexterous as they were in the good ole days, as it provides a channel of video telephony to give faraway caregivers a look at just what the problem is. Sporting a white finish and a 7-inch WVGA touchscreen display, the machine boasts automatic dialing to a user-selected individual, different fonts in order to appeal to aging eyes, a 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera, automatic answering in video mode, and a wireless remote to trigger an emergency call if panic strikes. No word just yet on how much coinage this peace of mind will run you, but there's nothing like being on call 24/7 for the great-grandparents, eh?

[Via AkihabaraNews]

NTT DoCoMo's latest FOMA device aids the elderly originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyemergencyFOMAhealthjapanmedicalnttntt docomoNttDocomonurseremote nurseRemoteNurserobot nurseRobotNursevideo telephonyVideoTelephonyvisiophonySun, 11 Mar 2007 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Siemens AySystem utilizes GPS / GRPS for emergency tracking, alerting]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/28/siemens-aysystem-utilizes-gps-grps-for-emergency-tracking-ale/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/28/siemens-aysystem-utilizes-gps-grps-for-emergency-tracking-ale/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/28/siemens-aysystem-utilizes-gps-grps-for-emergency-tracking-ale/#comments

While Siemens HQ is probably still dusting itself from last year's invasion, that's not stopping the whole show 'round those parts, as the firm is introducing a new form of emergency communication with its AySystem. By utilizing worldwide GSM / GRPS networks (and optionally, GPS), the pocketable device can be tracked, modified, and used as a channel of communication between a caregiver and patient, parent and child, boss and subordinate, or any other useful combination of individuals. Essentially, the Ay token is given to the person who needs monitored, and the other party can adjust various "thresholds" such as motion (or the lack thereof), temperature, and sound, and if that limit is surpassed (i.e. a patient stops moving), the token will sound an alarm whilst simultaneously texting / calling a user-selected individual. Moreover, it can be remotely controlled and tweaked via a web-based interface, and users can add "SnapOns" such as GPS receivers and cameras to extend its functionality even futher. Thankfully, the platform in which the device runs on is entirely Java-based, which should please those looking to code their own programs to take full advantage of what's being offered. As of now, we're not exactly sure how much this fancy panic button will end up costing, but it is slated to be made available "via mobile carriers or through pre-paid plans" in the not too distant future.

[Via Gizmag]

Filed under: ,

Siemens AySystem utilizes GPS / GRPS for emergency tracking, alerting originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911aidalertassistanceaysystemcommunicationcommunicationselderlyemergencyfallencan'tgetupgprsgsmhazardhelppanicpanic buttonPanicButtonsensorsensorssiemensWed, 28 Feb 2007 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Wii a hit with the geriatric set?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/23/nintendos-wii-a-hit-with-the-geriatric-set/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/23/nintendos-wii-a-hit-with-the-geriatric-set/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/23/nintendos-wii-a-hit-with-the-geriatric-set/#comments
No, we don't expect the vast majority of elderly folks kickin' it in a retirement home to honestly show any interest in video games (right?), but apparently, the Wii's at least making some minor strides in getting the geriatric set up and active with virtual sports. While we assume those suffering from lingering hip injuries are apt to join the (admittedly quiet) cheerleading section, a group of athletic 70-somethings from Sedgebrook retirement community are "hooked on Wii Sports," with bowling being the unanimous favorite. The response has been so positive that the locale is actually cranking up a 20-person tournament for an undisclosed reward, and while the residents have often commented about how "realistic" the Wiimote was in tossing the ball, the community actually has a fan for folks to dry their hands off before rolling a strike -- which is probably a smart move considering the potentially fatal injuries that could occur from slippage. Still, an isolated incident of fun-lovin' grandparents getting their game on isn't apt to convince us that the next big gaming market is in retirees, and honestly, how many elderly folks rushed out to snag a Wii for the grandchild, and ended up keeping it for themselves?

[Via DailyTech, thanks Randall B]

Filed under:

Nintendo's Wii a hit with the geriatric set? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activeactivitybowlingelderlygeriatricnintendonursing homeNursingHomeoldold peopleOldPeopleretirementretirement homeRetirementHomesportswiiwii bowlingwii sportsWiiBowlingWiiSportsFri, 23 Feb 2007 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Accenture developing virtual meal technology, brings videoconferencing to the dinner table]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/26/accenture-developing-virtual-meal-technology-brings-videoconfer/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/26/accenture-developing-virtual-meal-technology-brings-videoconfer/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/26/accenture-developing-virtual-meal-technology-brings-videoconfer/#commentsIf you're just finishing up what was likely a delicious and fulfilling Christmas dinner with your friends and family, connecting with loved ones probably isn't a problem at the moment, but for elderly and single folks who live alone and far away from old friends and relatives, Accenture is looking to expand their dinner tables as far as the webcam can see. The "virtual meal technology" seeks to aggrandize the dining room beyond a single home, allowing folks to enjoy separate meals while conversing together in real-time. Utilizing the basic premise found in videoconferencing, the plans are to unveil an (almost) automatic system that doesn't require a great deal of know-how in order to operate, with prototypes "automatically detecting" when someone is about to eat supper, and then searching for available family members that would also be interested in scarfing down some grub while chatting it up over the system. The firm is also pushing the medical aspects of such an invention, as it reports that "elderly people who eat alone often don't eat enough or eat the wrong kinds of food," which would allow younger family members to correct those eating habits before more serious health issues develop from malnutrition. While the company hasn't released any draft equipment just yet, it's hoping to have a prototype system available "in around two years," and while it's aiming for the "$500 to $1,000 range" per household, things could get a lot cheaper if your insurance company ends up footing the bill.

Filed under: ,

Accenture developing virtual meal technology, brings videoconferencing to the dinner table originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accenturebig brotherBigBrotherconsultingeatelderlyfamilyfutureinsurancemealsmedicalvideoconferencingvirtual dinnerVirtualDinnerwebcamTue, 26 Dec 2006 03:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo announces F882iES flip for seniors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/26/ntt-docomo-announces-f882ies-flip-for-seniors/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/26/ntt-docomo-announces-f882ies-flip-for-seniors/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/26/ntt-docomo-announces-f882ies-flip-for-seniors/#comments Never mind the elderly, this seems like a perfectly hot phone for pretty much anyone looking for a decent 3G clamshell. Fujitsu's F882iES operates on NTT DoCoMo's 3G FOMA network, rocks 2.2-inch QVGA internal and 64 x 64 external displays, a 1.3-megapixel shooter, and miniSD expansion in your choice of gold, pink, or black. But here's the best part: much like KDDI's A1406PT from Pantech, the F882iES features a piercing alarm that can simultaneously fire off a pre-recorded message to a number of your choice. At 100 ear-annihilating decibels, we think it might even pack enough oomph to outdo our phone-in-a-wine-glass trick.

[Via TechJapan]

Filed under: , , , ,

NTT DoCoMo announces F882iES flip for seniors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Aug 2006 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clamshellelderlyf882iesflipfomafujitsugsmmobilentt docomoNttDocomoothersseniorumtsSat, 26 Aug 2006 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Pantech, KDDI sign deal for elderly-themed handset]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/05/pantech-kddi-sign-deal-for-elderly-themed-handset/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/05/pantech-kddi-sign-deal-for-elderly-themed-handset/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/05/pantech-kddi-sign-deal-for-elderly-themed-handset/#comments Three words: "crime prevention buzzer." What more do we need to say? Besides being able to scream bloody murder on command, Pantech's CDMA A1406PT for KDDI's Japanese "au" network will feature 2.4-inch QVGA internal and 1.2-inch external displays, a 1.3-megapixel shooter, and three assignable one-touch keys directly below the display. Targeted at the elderly (read: folks who aren't looking for anything too newfangled), the clamshell scores $110 million for Korea's Pantech, which is following up its A1405PT. Given that Korean phones in Japan are still a novelty, neither of these phones are bleeding-edge in any way -- but we find it kinda refreshing to not lust after a Japanese or Korean handset for once.

[Via I4U News]

Filed under: , , ,

Pantech, KDDI sign deal for elderly-themed handset originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Aug 2006 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A1406PTaucdmaclamshellelderlyflipkddimobilepantechSat, 05 Aug 2006 15:44:00 EST