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[Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/prototype-glasses-help-the-visually-impaired-avoid-obstacles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/prototype-glasses-help-the-visually-impaired-avoid-obstacles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/prototype-glasses-help-the-visually-impaired-avoid-obstacles/#comments Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles

The crafty engineers at Google aren't the only ones working on augmented reality glasses. Researchers at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have created a prototype system, based around a head-mounted display and a pair of small cameras. Instead of overlaying info about landmarks or capturing video of your trampoline-based escapades, this prototype is simply meant to help the visually impaired detect and avoid obstacles. A small computer performs real-time analysis of the environment highlighting objects and color coding them to indicate distance. The goal is to help those with glaucoma and other impairments that hinder depth perception. The next step is to streamline the device, making the computer portion of it smaller and more portable and to make the goggles less cumbersome. For more detail check out the source link.

Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arar glassesArGlassesaugmented realityaugmented reality glassesAugmentedRealityAugmentedRealityGlasseshealthInstituto de Oftalmología AplicadaInstitutoDeOftalmologíaAplicadamedicineresearchvisually impairedVisuallyImpairedTue, 29 May 2012 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[McGill University student plan provides healthcare to rural areas with Windows Phone and Win 8]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/mcgill-university-rural-healthcare-plan-windows-phone-windows-8/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/mcgill-university-rural-healthcare-plan-windows-phone-windows-8/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/mcgill-university-rural-healthcare-plan-windows-phone-windows-8/#comments McGill university student plan provides healthcare to rural areas with Windows Phone and Win 8

Those of us living in metropolitan areas don't think twice about our ease of access to medical care, but those in rural areas don't enjoy such easy access to a doctor. Abhijeet Kalyan and Shravan Narayan from McGill University in Canada are aware of this problem, and came up with a way for doctors to diagnose and treat patients from afar. Called Project Neem, it's got a hub and spoke organizational structure that puts a healthcare worker in every village and leverages the power of Windows Phone to connect them with medical staff in distant cities.

Participating healthcare workers are given basic medical training and a handheld loaded up with a custom app that identifies patients by scanning their national ID card and stores their pertinent medical info -- from temperature and blood pressure readings to a variety of symptoms. The app has a virtual human body on board that lets users tap parts of the anatomy to bring up a series of symptoms that can be selected to provide treating physicians with the info they need. That information is stored in the cloud and accessed by doctors through a Windows 8 app, who then can relay appropriate treatments to the local healthcare worker. Now all we need is someone to make a real-world tricorder, and we'll truly be able to bring medical care to the masses, wherever they may be.

McGill University student plan provides healthcare to rural areas with Windows Phone and Win 8 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abhijeet KalyanAbhijeetKalyancanadadoctordoctorshealthhealth careHealthCaremcgillmcgill universityMcgillUniversitymedicinemicrosoftproject neemProjectNeemruralshravan narayanShravanNarayanwindows 8windows phoneWindows8WindowsPhoneTue, 29 May 2012 06:44:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC wants to set aside wireless spectrum for medical body area devices, our hearts are literally aflutter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/fcc-wants-to-set-aside-spectum-for-medical-body-area-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/fcc-wants-to-set-aside-spectum-for-medical-body-area-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/fcc-wants-to-set-aside-spectum-for-medical-body-area-devices/#comments Smartphone brain scanner

The FCC has been making a big push towards freeing up the airwaves for medical uses, and it just took one of its biggest steps on that front by proposing to clear space for wireless body area networks. Agency officials want to let devices operate in the 2.36GHz to 2.4GHz space so that patients can stay at home or at least move freely, instead of being fenced in at the hospital or tethered to a bed by wires. Devices would still need the FDA's green light, but they could both let patients go home sooner as well as open the door wider for preventative care. Voting on the proposal takes place May 24, which leaves our tech-minded hearts beating faster -- and if the proposal takes effect, we'll know just how much faster.

FCC wants to set aside wireless spectrum for medical body area devices, our hearts are literally aflutter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4 ghz2.4Ghzbody area networkbody area networksBodyAreaNetworkBodyAreaNetworksFCCfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionhealthhealth careHealthCarehospitalmedicalmedical devicesMedicalDevicesmonitorproposalproposalssciencespectrumtrackerwearablewearableswirelessWireless SpectrumWirelessSpectrumThu, 17 May 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial testing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/subretinal-bionic-eye-implant/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/subretinal-bionic-eye-implant/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/subretinal-bionic-eye-implant/#comments Image

There's been significant progress in bringing sight to the blind in recent years, and this looks set to continue that miraculous trend. Scientists at Stanford University have invented a subretinal photodiode implant for people who have lost their vision due to degenerative retinal diseases. Existing tech involves batteries and wires, but the new implant works without such crude appendages. Instead, it's activated by near-infrared beams projected by a camera that's mounted on glasses worn by the patient and can record what the patient sees. The beams then stimulate the optic nerve to allow light perception, motion detection and even basic shape awareness. It hasn't actually been tested with humans just yet, but the first few rodents volunteers have yet to lodge a single complaint.

Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial testing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 04:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>degenerativedegenerative diseasedegenerative diseasesDegenerativeDiseaseDegenerativeDiseasesdiodeselectornic retinal prosthesesElectornicRetinalProstheseselectronic retinal prosthesisElectronicRetinalProsthesiseyeseyesighthealthhigh pixel densityHighPixelDensityimplantmedicinenear infrared illuminationNearInfraredIlluminationphotoidodesphotoreceptorsphotovoltaic retinal prothesisPhotovoltaicRetinalProthesisprothesesprothesisretinaretinalretinal degenerative diseaseretinal implantretinal implantsretinal prothesisRetinalDegenerativeDiseaseRetinalImplantRetinalImplantsRetinalProthesisstanfordstanford universityStanfordUniversitysubretinalsubretinal prosthesessubretinal prothesisSubretinalProthesisTue, 15 May 2012 04:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu app analyzes zits and skin tone, delivers professional advice to your phone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fujitsu-app-analyzes-skin-with-cell-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fujitsu-app-analyzes-skin-with-cell-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fujitsu-app-analyzes-skin-with-cell-phone/#comments Image

That's right, you can finally get rid of that Tamagotchi you've been using to pick those perfect skincare products. Fujitsu is teasing a new app that's capable of measuring specific characteristics of the skin, even with less-than-ideal lighting conditions. We normally have to put up with the hassle of having to visit our friendly neighborhood skincare professional every time we need accurate info about our zits, blemishes or what color makeup to wear to the Star Trek convention. Fujitsu wants to put that power in your pocket, identifying appropriate products before you get to the beauty bar. Maybe this one isn't destined for record downloads, but it could make life a little bit easier -- take a look at the descriptive graphic above if you don't believe us.

Fujitsu app analyzes zits and skin tone, delivers professional advice to your phone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationapplicationsappsbeautyfujitsuhealthhelathcarehouseholdjapanjapanesemobile appmobile appsMobileAppMobileAppsmobilepostcrossskinskincaresmartphonesoftwareTue, 08 May 2012 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung launches new services for the Galaxy S III: Music Hub, S Health and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/samsung-launches-new-services-for-the-galaxy-s-iii-music-hub-s/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/samsung-launches-new-services-for-the-galaxy-s-iii-music-hub-s/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/samsung-launches-new-services-for-the-galaxy-s-iii-music-hub-s/#comments Image

Samsung has just taken the wraps off of its highly anticipated Galaxy S III and, in a move similar to Nokia's efforts with the Lumia line, decided to package extra services and features to further differentiate itself from the competition. Mentioned onstage were the S Health "personal wellness app" and an enhanced Music Hub cloud service with access to over 17 million tracks and an iTunes Match-sounding "Scan and Match" feature. Music Hub will launch in seven countries, while the matching feature is supported in six of those. There's also a hub for Games that promises quick tie ins to social gaming and a Video Hub with TV and movies. One other new feature is support for MirrorLink enabled headunits that should bring access to all of these things even while you're driving your car. Finally, there's NFC-based mobile payment support that should get some use among visitors to the Olympic games this summer.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S III Services and features

Samsung launches new services for the Galaxy S III: Music Hub, S Health and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgalaxy s 3galaxy s iiiGalaxyS3GalaxySIiigame hubGameHubhealthhubmirror linkMirrorLinkmobilepostcrossmusicmusic hubMusicHubs-healthsamsungSamsung Mobile Unpacked 2012Samsung Unpacked 2012SamsungMobileUnpacked2012SamsungUnpacked2012scan and matchScanAndMatchservicessmartphonevideo hubVideoHubwellnessThu, 03 May 2012 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Withings WiFi scale syncs weight with BodyMedia site, won't let you hide from the truth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/withings-wifi-scale-syncs-weight-with-bodymedia-site/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/withings-wifi-scale-syncs-weight-with-bodymedia-site/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/withings-wifi-scale-syncs-weight-with-bodymedia-site/#comments Withings WiFi scale now uploads weigh-ins to BodyMedia FIT system, won't let you hide from the truth

Are you using a Withings WiFi Body Scale to monitor your weight-loss efforts? Are you also using a BodyMedia FIT Armband to track your activity and calories burned? Get ready for a body-stat explosion, because now you can pair the two devices to streamline all that info on your progress. Instead of manually entering your weight into the BodyMedia activity manager, just step on the Withings scale and it will be imported into your BodyMedia online dashboard via WiFi. That's all well and good, but it reminds us an awful lot of Fitbit, which sells a less-expensive body scale that integrates with the company's wearable fitness trackers. The full Withings / BodyMedia press release is after the break, but shouldn't you be out running or something?

Continue reading Withings WiFi scale syncs weight with BodyMedia site, won't let you hide from the truth

Withings WiFi scale syncs weight with BodyMedia site, won't let you hide from the truth originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armbandbody scaleBodyMediaBodyScalefitnesshealthminipostpartnershippartnershipsscalescalesweightweight lossWeightLosswifiwithingsWithings Wi-Fi Body ScaleWithingsWi-fiBodyScaleWithingsWifiBodyScaleWed, 02 May 2012 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Fitbit Aria WiFi scale available now for $130]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/fitbit-aria-wifi-scale-available-for-130/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/fitbit-aria-wifi-scale-available-for-130/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/fitbit-aria-wifi-scale-available-for-130/#comments

It's been three months since Fitbit got into the WiFi scale game, but until now Withings has remained pretty much the only option for weight watchers who actually intend to buy one. Now, though, the Fitbit Aria is finally shipping and, just like Fitbit said it would, it costs $130. That's potentially not a bad deal, seeing as how it matches the $160 Withings scale in a few key areas: it tracks weight, BMI and body fat percentage, gives you the option of tweeting your poundage, and can recognize up to eight different users. Like Fitbit, too, it allows you to access your data through a website, or an iOS / Android app.

Of course, the main thing the Aria has that Withings doesn't is a fitness monitor to go with it. The Aria is designed to work with the company's Fitbit trackers, which log physical activity, calories burned, stairs climbed and, if you're diligent about data entry, the various meals you've consumed. Since all that information lives online in an alphabet soup of healthiness, it might paint a more complete picture of how fit you are. Then again, you'd have to commit to wearing the Fitbit day in and day out. And, you know, pay $100 for it. Your call.

Continue reading PSA: Fitbit Aria WiFi scale available now for $130

PSA: Fitbit Aria WiFi scale available now for $130 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AriaFitbitFitbit AriaFitbitAriafitnessfitness gadgetfitness gadgetsFitnessGadgetFitnessGadgetshealthscalescalesweighweightweight lossweight-lossWeightLosswifiWiFi scaleWifiScaleMon, 23 Apr 2012 06:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent proposal ponders planting physicians inside your plasma]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/sony-dr-tv-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/sony-dr-tv-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/sony-dr-tv-patent/#comments Image

Remember when Sony said it would "unify" its product lines and consider going into the medical device business? Well, we've unearthed this patent application from 2010 that does that just. A wireless wristband monitors your heart rate, vitals and blood glucose levels, and beams that information to your TV over infra-red. Your data will then update in real time for you to watch of an evening, if it's a choice between that and Gossip Girl, at least. Moreover, if your TV is web-connected, it could even send emergency messages to your local HMO if the conclusion of your favorite show / sporting event sends you into chest-clutching fits of apoplexy.

Sony patent proposal ponders planting physicians inside your plasma originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplicationDr TVDrTvFitnesshdpostcrossHealthHealth and FitnessHealthAndFitnessHeart Rate MonitorHeartRateMonitorPatentPatent ApplicationPatentApplicationSonySony Dr TVSonyDrTvTVThu, 19 Apr 2012 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips' new ErgoSensor desktop display demands that you sit up straight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/philips-new-ergosensor-desktop-display-demands-that-you-sit-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/philips-new-ergosensor-desktop-display-demands-that-you-sit-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/philips-new-ergosensor-desktop-display-demands-that-you-sit-up/#comments Philips' new ErgoSensor desktop display demands that you sit up straightRemember those halcyon days when your mother would chide you to sit up straight should you ever start to slouch? Good news, desk jockeys, because Philips' ErgoSensor desktop monitor is here to stop your stooping now that mom's no longer around -- and it doesn't require you to wear some silly plastic pendant or occupy any of your USB real estate. The 24-inch, 250-nit, 1920 x 1080 display has a sensor in its bezel that watches you while you work, and warns you when your posture becomes poor or if you've been staring at the screen too long. It also informs users how to set up the monitor for optimal viewing distance and ergonomic position. Plus, it can tell when you're not around and shut the screen off to conserve power. We don't know how much money the monitor will cost or even when it'll be available to fix your poor sitting form, but we do know you can learn everything else about it at the source below.

Philips' new ErgoSensor desktop display demands that you sit up straight originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1920 x 10801920X1080desktopdesktop monitorDesktopMonitordisplayergosensorhealthmonitorphilipsphilips ergo sensorPhilipsErgoSensorposturescreenseatingsensorsensorsSun, 08 Apr 2012 23:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Smart Monitor's SmartWatch, the seizure sensing wristwatch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/hands-on-with-smart-monitors-smartwatch-the-seizure-sensing-wr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/hands-on-with-smart-monitors-smartwatch-the-seizure-sensing-wr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/hands-on-with-smart-monitors-smartwatch-the-seizure-sensing-wr/#comments Hands-on with Smart Monitor's SmartWatch, the seizure sensing wristwatchMillions of people suffer from epileptic seizures, and the threat of such episodes is a constant concern for those with the condition, their families and caretakers. Smart Monitor knows that the freedom of folks with epilepsy is curtailed by trepidation caused by the unpredictability of seizures, so it's created the SmartWatch. The device is a wristwatch, roughly the size of a WIMM One, that has a GPS module and a proprietary accelerometer/gyroscopic sensor inside to detect the excessive and repeated motions that occur during grand mal seizures. It then records the time, duration and location of the occurrences and sends that information via Bluetooth to the accompanying app on your Android smartphone (an iOS version is in the works). The app tracks and stores the info and automatically calls your designated caretakers to alert them of the seizure, thusly ensuring the safety of the watch wearer. The watch also has physical buttons on the side that allow users to cancel a false alert or manually send one out with a single press.

Gallery: Smart Monitor SmartWatch hands-on


Aside from the real-time safety net that comes with wearing the watch, it also provides valuable information to neurologists over the long term. When and where seizures take place is data that those who study and treat epilepsy find useful, and it can be quite difficult for folks to recall such info after a seizure. SmartWatch can give doctors an accurate long term look at a patient's episodic history that they wouldn't be able to obtain otherwise. Because it's a motion detection unit, the device is only for those who suffer from tonic clonic, or grand mal seizures, so it's not a universal seizure detector. However, the company's clinical trials with the device are ongoing, and Smart Monitor will submit it for FDA approval as a tonic clonic seizure sensor later this year.

Hands-on with Smart Monitor's SmartWatch, the seizure sensing wristwatch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsepilepsyepileptic seizureEpilepticSeizurehands-onhealthmotion detectionmotion detectorMotionDetectionMotionDetectorseizureseizuressensorsmart monitor smartwatchSmartMonitorSmartwatchsmartwatchwatchwristwatchWed, 04 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fitbit for Android helps track your I/O]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/fitbit-for-android-helps-track-your-i-o/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/fitbit-for-android-helps-track-your-i-o/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/fitbit-for-android-helps-track-your-i-o/#comments Fitbit for Android helps track your I/OThe fitness fanatics from Fitbit are looking to aid and abet the Android-loving, calorie-counting masses. The company has announced the release of its self-titled Android application, which will assist users in tracking their health and dietary goals. Through manual entry, or with the assistance of a wireless sensor, Fitbit tracks your daily activity and creates a dynamic nutrition plan to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. What's more, the app and service keep a log of your progress allowing users to feel shame track their progress. The app is available via Google Play for the always attractive price of $0. Have yourself a download... and a quick jog.

Fitbit for Android helps track your I/O originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid MarketAndroidMarketappappsBluetoothCaloriesFitbitFitbit UltraFitbitUltraFitnessGoogle PlayGooglePlayhealthMarketminipostPlaysensorsoftwareTrackingweight lossWeightLossTue, 20 Mar 2012 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Omron releases a pair of sleep monitoring gadgets that watch you slumber]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/omron-sleep-monitoring-gadget/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/omron-sleep-monitoring-gadget/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/omron-sleep-monitoring-gadget/#comments Insomnia and a love of gadgets go hand-in-hand, so it's no surprise that more companies want a piece of Zeo's sleep-monitoring action. Omron's the latest to supply an offering with a pair of sensors to work out how much shut-eye your getting. Working on the principle that you stop moving when you're deep in sleep, the devices measure your movement while in bed and count up how long you remain static. The HSL-101 uses a radio-frequency sensor that measures movement to any object within its 5-foot range. The HSL-001 is a pebble-sized kit that sits underneath your pillow and uses an accelerometer to measure your restlessness instead. The 101 will arrive in Japan in May as a standalone unit, while the 001 will need to be paired to an Android smartphone when it arrives in April.

Omron releases a pair of sleep monitoring gadgets that watch you slumber originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidGoogleHealthHealth and FitnessHealthAndFitnessHSL-001HSL-101minipostMotion SensorMotionSensorOmronOmron HSL-001Omron HSL-101OmronHsl-001OmronHsl-101SleepSleep DeprivationSleep MonitorSleepDeprivationSleepingSleepMonitorSukkiri AlarmSukkiriAlarmZeoWed, 07 Mar 2012 05:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Squid is a shirt that keeps an exercise journal so you don't have to]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/squid-is-a-shirt-that-keeps-an-exercise-journal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/squid-is-a-shirt-that-keeps-an-exercise-journal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/squid-is-a-shirt-that-keeps-an-exercise-journal/#comments SquidWearable fitness trackers are everywhere these days. Everyone has a GPS watch, companies like Jawbone have turned to slightly stranger form factors, while AT&T and Under Armour are putting sensors inside clothing. Students at Northeastern University think the latter have the right idea, and have put an array of electrodes inside a compression shirt. The apparel is part of system being called Squid, which also includes a smartphone app and an exercise tracking site. Unlike other tech that ends with monitoring hear rate and tracking GPS coordinates Squid can actually gauge muscle activity and count reps so you don't have to. The shirt probably can't tell the difference between a bench press and push up, but at least its one less task to worry about while whipping yourself into fighting shape. No word on if or when the system might become available to the general public, so you'll have to make do with the video after the break to see it in action.

Continue reading Squid is a shirt that keeps an exercise journal so you don't have to

Squid is a shirt that keeps an exercise journal so you don't have to originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsexercisefitnessfitness trackingFitnessTrackinghealthhealth monitoringHealthMonitoringNortheastern UniversityNortheasternUniversitysquidThu, 02 Feb 2012 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists produce stronger T-rays, bring Tricorders closer to reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scientists-produce-stronger-t-rays-bring-tricorders-closer-to-r/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scientists-produce-stronger-t-rays-bring-tricorders-closer-to-r/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scientists-produce-stronger-t-rays-bring-tricorders-closer-to-r/#comments
A group of scientists from Imperial College London and Singapore's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) have developed a new technique that could have far reaching impacts for Star Trek fans everywhere. It all involves something known as Terahertz (THz), or T-rays: electromagnetic rays that have already been used in full-body airport scanners and have the potential to be used across a much broader range of medical and environmental applications. Because every molecule can be uniquely identified within the THz range, these T-rays can be used to pick up on cancerous cells and other biological matter, perhaps even within a Tricorder-like scanner. Now, Imperial College's Stefan Maier and his team of scientists say they've found a way to create a stronger beam of T-rays, using so-called "nano-antennas" to generate an amplified THz field. In fact, this field can produce about 100 times more power than most other THz sources, which could allow for sharper imaging devices. "T-rays promise to revolutionize medical scanning to make it faster and more convenient, potentially relieving patients from the inconvenience of complicated diagnostic procedures and the stress of waiting for accurate results," Maier explained. "Thanks to modern nanotechnology and nanofabrication, we have made a real breakthrough in the generation of T-rays that takes us a step closer to these new scanning devices." For more details, check out the links below.

Scientists produce stronger T-rays, bring Tricorders closer to reality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beamcancerenvironmenthealthimperial collegeimperial college londonImperialCollegeImperialCollegeLondonmedicalmedical scannerMedicalScannermedicinenanotechnologypowerresearchscannerstar trekStarTrekt-rayterahertzterahertz imagingTerahertzImagingthzMon, 23 Jan 2012 05:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Another one bites the dust as Google closes Picnik]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/21/google-closes-picnik/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/21/google-closes-picnik/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/21/google-closes-picnik/#comments Given the spate of closures, abandonments and wound-up projects, we can't help but suspect Google's mantra switching from "don't be evil" to "sic transit gloria mundi." Mountain View's winding up online-image editing site Picnik in preparation for integration with Google+, joining Wave, Knol, Friend Connect, Gears, Health, Powermeter and at least ten other services that have been shuttered as part of Larry Page's "spring clean." In a statement on the site, the guys are moving over to the Google+ team to "focus on even awesomer things," so expect to see live-editing of your photos appear there before the end of summer. In the meantime, you can enjoy Picnik's premium service until the doors close on April 19th and those who previously stumped up (with, you know, cash) for the added features will receive a full refund.

[Thanks, Henry]

Another one bites the dust as Google closes Picnik originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AardvarkClosingClosureFriend ConnectFriendConnectGearsGoogle AardvarkGoogle ClosingGoogle Closing PicnikGoogle ClosureGoogle DesktopGoogle FastFlipGoogle Friend ConnectGoogle GearsGoogle HealthGoogle Image LabelerGoogle Maps API for FlashGoogle NotebookGoogle PackGoogle PicnikGoogle PowermeterGoogle SidewikiGoogle Subscribed LinksGoogle Web SecurityGoogleAardvarkGoogleClosingGoogleClosingPicnikGoogleClosureGoogleDesktopGoogleFastflipGoogleFriendConnectGoogleGearsGoogleHealthGoogleImageLabelerGoogleMapsApiForFlashGoogleNotebookGooglePackGooglePicnikGooglePowermeterGoogleSidewikiGoogleSubscribedLinksGoogleWebSecurityHealthKnolminipostPicnikPowermeterWaveSat, 21 Jan 2012 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific's App In Sports watches sync with your phone, grab apps from it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/oregon-scientifics-app-in-sports-watches-sync-with-your-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/oregon-scientifics-app-in-sports-watches-sync-with-your-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/oregon-scientifics-app-in-sports-watches-sync-with-your-phone/#comments One of the many new products we spotted at Oregon Scientific's CES booth was the App In Sports range of watches. As the name suggests, these wearables can link up to your Android phone (via ANT+ wireless connection) to grab up to three app profiles, and the range of profiles available depend on the model of the watches due to their different sensors: for the RA900 (Expedition) you get cardio, weather, hiking and sleep; whereas the SE900 offers coach, running, workout and sleep. More profiles will be made available, though it's not clear whether they'll make it before or after the watches launch in a few months time. Either way, users will need to install the matching Android apps according to their watch models, but both apps can sync with the watches for exercise summary data (including heart rate, exercise time, distance and speed). Demo video after the break.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific's App in Sports watches

Continue reading Oregon Scientific's App In Sports watches sync with your phone, grab apps from it

Oregon Scientific's App In Sports watches sync with your phone, grab apps from it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ANTANT+appapp in sportsAppInSportscesces 2012Ces2012expeditionfeaturedfeatureshands-onhealthmobilepostcrossoregon scientificOregonScientificplatform watchPlatformWatchRA900SE900sportsportsvideowatchwearablewellnessSat, 14 Jan 2012 20:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Health's New Year's Resolution is to cease to exist, countdown begins to save your data]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/google-healths-new-years-resolution-is-to-cease-to-exist-coun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/google-healths-new-years-resolution-is-to-cease-to-exist-coun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/google-healths-new-years-resolution-is-to-cease-to-exist-coun/#comments Back in June, Google announced that it would be 'retiring' Health effective January 1, 2012. Now, everything appears to be on-track for the shutdown, with Google sending out a final reminder to Health customers earlier today. You have until the stroke of midnight to access the service or port your data to a competitor -- after which point you'll no longer be able to view information saved to your account, though it'll remain available to download in .zip format for another year. Want to know more? Hit up the source link for the Google Health FAQ.

Google Health's New Year's Resolution is to cease to exist, countdown begins to save your data originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood pressureblood pressure monitorBloodPressureBloodPressureMonitorclosesclosinggooglegoogle healthGoogleHealthhealthheart rateheart rate monitorHeartRateHeartRateMonitormedicalmountain viewMountainViewShut DownShutDownwithingsSat, 31 Dec 2011 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM wins diet monitoring and reward patent, celebrates with sip of Spirulina]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/30/ibm-wins-diet-monitoring-and-reward-patent-celebrates-with-sip/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/30/ibm-wins-diet-monitoring-and-reward-patent-celebrates-with-sip/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/30/ibm-wins-diet-monitoring-and-reward-patent-celebrates-with-sip/#comments Does your employer offer a "wellness rebate program?" No? Then you can't be working for IBM, which has been bribing its staff to eat healthier since 2004. It's a Watson-worthy idea, because what the company pays out in incentives it recoups in lower healthcare costs. Now, after a decade of toing and froing with the USPTO, IBM has finally patented a web-based system that makes the whole process automatic. For it to work, a person must use a micro-payment network to buy food, which allows their purchases to be monitored and compared against their health records. If they've made the right choices, the system then communicates with their employer's payroll server to issue a reward. Completing the Orwellian circle, the proposed system also interacts with servers in the FDA and health insurance companies to gain information about specific food products or policy changes. You can duck the radar, of course, and buy a Double Whopper with cash, but it'll bring you no reward except swollen ankles. This is IBM we're talking about; they've thought of everything.

[Photo via Shutterstock]

IBM wins diet monitoring and reward patent, celebrates with sip of Spirulina originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1984big brotherBigBrotherbonusdietemployeremploymentfoodgeorge orwellGeorgeOrwellhealthhealth insuranceHealthInsurancehealthyhealthy eatinghealthy livingHealthyEatingHealthyLivingIBMincentivemicropaymentsmonitoringorwellianrewardreward schemeRewardSchemeUSPTOFri, 30 Dec 2011 02:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect sensor wants to guess astronauts' weight, tell them to hit the space gym]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/kinect-sensor-wants-to-guess-astronauts-weight-tell-them-to-hi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/kinect-sensor-wants-to-guess-astronauts-weight-tell-them-to-hi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/kinect-sensor-wants-to-guess-astronauts-weight-tell-them-to-hi/#comments How do you weigh yourself when there's no gravity keeping you down? Well, you can calculate your mass by sitting on an oscillating spring and comparing its standing frequency to your riding frequency (NASA's current method), or you could rig up a Kinect sensor to tell you when you're getting fat. Carmelo Velardo, a Eurocom computer scientist in Alphes-Maritimes, France, is developing the latter option. Working with colleagues at the Italian Institute of Technology's Center for Human Space Robotics, Velardo paired the Kinect sensor's 3D modeling digs with a database of weight to body measurements of 28,000 people -- the resulting system can guess your weight with a 97 percent accuracy.

NASA scientist John Charles notes that while the rig works well on the ground, it might hit some snags in space. Microgravity can shift water around in an astronaut's body, changing their density and potentially throwing off the Kinect setup's readings. Still, Charles says the technique "appears feasible," and suggests pairing it with the existing weight measurement tools might "provide insights into changes in body density that might be illuminating." Velardo hopes to test the system in parabolic flight soon. If he succeeds, not even outer space will protect us from the shameful judgment of video game peripherals. Now if you'll excuse us, we have some squat-thrusts to get to.

Kinect sensor wants to guess astronauts' weight, tell them to hit the space gym originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d modeling3dModelingastronautCarmelo VelardoCarmeloVelardoEurocomhealthJohn Charleskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectNASAoscillating springOscillatingSpringouter spaceOuterSpaceSci/TechspacespringsTue, 27 Dec 2011 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Researcher brings modified Touchpad into the MRI room, breakthrough ensues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/researcher-brings-modified-touchpad-into-the-mri-room-breakthro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/researcher-brings-modified-touchpad-into-the-mri-room-breakthro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/researcher-brings-modified-touchpad-into-the-mri-room-breakthro/#comments
Yes, the Touchpad is officially dead, but that hasn't stopped Stanford researcher Andrew B. Holbrook from using HP's tablet in a somewhat unexpected setting: the MRI lab. Holbrook, it turns out, has been developing a new, webOS-based system that could make it a lot easier for doctors to conduct interventional MRI procedures. Unlike its diagnostic counterpart, this brand of MRI can only operate within highly magnetic fields, thereby posing a threat to many electronic devices. Holbrook, however, may have found a way around this barrier, thanks to a modified Touchpad. With the help of HP engineers, the researcher stripped his tablet of metallic components, including its speakers and vibration motor, resulting in what the manufacturer calls a "minimally metallic device that could be used almost anywhere within the magnet room." With his Touchpad primed and loaded with apps for data manipulation, Holbrook went on to successfully integrate the device within an MRI system. He also developed a series of apps that allow technicians to monitor and manipulate an MRI procedure on their devices, regardless of whether they're in the magnet room itself, or outside. Holbrook says he's already started applying the same approach to webOS phones, in the hopes of providing doctors and researchers with an even more compact way to keep track of their patients. For more details on the system and future developments, check out the source link below.

[Thanks, Mina]

Researcher brings modified Touchpad into the MRI room, breakthrough ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrew B HolbrookAndrewBHolbrookappapplicationhealthhewlett-packardhphp touchpadHpTouchpadimaginginterventional MRIinterventional scanInterventionalMriInterventionalScanmagnetmagneticmagnetic resonance imagingMagneticResonanceImagingmedicalmedicinemetallicmodMRIoperating systemOperatingSystemOSphoneresearchscanningsciencesmartphonestanfordtablettouchpadwebosThu, 08 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Exmobaby links up with AT&T, lets you keep tabs on sleeping babes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/exmobaby-links-up-with-atandt-lets-you-keep-tabs-on-sleeping-babe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/exmobaby-links-up-with-atandt-lets-you-keep-tabs-on-sleeping-babe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/exmobaby-links-up-with-atandt-lets-you-keep-tabs-on-sleeping-babe/#comments Ask any parent of a newborn what they miss most and they'll almost always mention sleep. That particular baby-borne exhaustion can take an even greater turn for the worse if said rents happen to be worrywarts. But wouldn't it be nice if bleary-eyed Moms and Pops could outfit those fussy babes with bio-monitoring pajamas and catch up on Zzzz's? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. Exmovere's already introduced tech along those very lines and, now, the company has AT&T as a partner to push its Exmobaby onesies forward. The transmitter-equipped pjs work by collecting critical data from sleeping tots -- like heart rate and temperature -- that can be sent as alerts to phones, tablets and even PCs running the appropriate software. There's no launch date announced for the washable scifi duds nor has pricing been set at this preliminary stage, but chin up -- those night sweats should soon be a distant memory.

Continue reading Exmobaby links up with AT&T, lets you keep tabs on sleeping babes

Exmobaby links up with AT&T, lets you keep tabs on sleeping babes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementATTbabiesbabybaby monitorbaby monitorsBabyMonitorBabyMonitorschildrenexmobabyexmovereexmovereholdingshealthmedicalmobilepostcrosssidswirelessThu, 08 Dec 2011 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC grants radio spectrum to muscle-stimulating wireless devices for paralysis patients]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/fcc-grants-radio-spectrum-to-muscle-stimulating-wireless-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/fcc-grants-radio-spectrum-to-muscle-stimulating-wireless-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/fcc-grants-radio-spectrum-to-muscle-stimulating-wireless-devices/#commentsThe medical community is all smiles today, because the FCC has decided to allocate a chunk of radio spectrum for potentially life-altering wireless devices. Designed for stroke patients and those suffering from brain or spinal cord injuries, these so-called medical micropower networks (MMN) use a set of implanted electrodes and a wearable wireless controller to stimulate the muscles of a paralyzed user. In a statement issued last week, the FCC announced that these devices have been approved for use within the 413 to 457MHz range, as requested in a petition from the Alfred Mann Foundation, which has already constructed several prototype MMN systems. The organization's CEO, David Hankin, immediately lauded the ruling, adding that the Foundation now plans to launch trials of MMN systems on humans, in the hopes of receiving clearance from the FDA. "The FCC's decision removes the most significant roadblock to helping people," Hankin said. "The frequency that has been approved for use is the most efficient for penetrating tissue with radio waves and without which the new generation of our implantable neurostimulator technology would be impossible to advance."

The significance of the occasion wasn't lost on FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, either. "These broadband-enabled technologies are life-changing, impacting individuals, families, and communities in ways we can only begin to imagine," Genachowski said in a prepared statement. His sentiments were echoed in remarks from fellow commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who heralded the decision as "one of the most important the commission has adopted during my tenure," citing its potential to "greatly improve the lives of those who are faced with some of today's most difficult medical challenges."

FCC grants radio spectrum to muscle-stimulating wireless devices for paralysis patients originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced microstimulator devicesAdvancedMicrostimulatorDevicesalfred mann foundationAlfredMannFoundationfccFDAfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissiongovernmenthealthmedicalmedical micropower networkMedicalMicropowerNetworkmedicinemicrostimulatorMMNneurologyneuroscienceneurostimulatorparalysispatientradioregulationregulatoryspectrumspinal cordSpinalCordstrokeWed, 07 Dec 2011 03:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Jawbone Up review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/jawbone-up-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/jawbone-up-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/jawbone-up-review/#comments Back in July, Jawbone did something surprising. The company, best known for its Bluetooth headsets, announced it was cooking up a wristband called "Up" -- a wearable device that would track the wearer's sleeping, eating and exercise habits. At the time, we didn't know much more than that, but given the company's expertise in wearable tech, we assumed it would at least have a Bluetooth radio, tying it together with all the other products Jawbone sells.

As it turns out, the wristband doesn't sync your vitals wirelessly and for better or worse, it doesn't work quite the way we thought it would. To use the wristband, you'll need an iOS device -- no other platform is supported, and there isn't even a mobile website to which you can upload all your data. Then again, it does things other fitness trackers don't: it monitors when you're in deep or light sleep, so that it can wake you when you're just dozing. And because it's waterproof up to one meter and promises up to 10 days of battery life, it's low-maintenance enough that you can wear it every day, which could be key to making some healthy lifestyle changes. So how did Jawbone do, stepping so far outside its comfort zone? And should you consider this over identically priced fitness trackers such as the new Fitbit Ultra? Let's see.

Gallery: Jawbone Up review

Continue reading Jawbone Up review

Jawbone Up review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebraceletbraceletseatingexercisingfitnessfitness gadgetfitness gadgetsfitness goalfitness goalsFitnessGadgetFitnessGadgetsFitnessGoalFitnessGoalshealthHealth TechHealthTechideviceidevicesiOSios appios appsIosAppIosAppsiPadiPhoneipod touchIpodTouchJawbonejawbone upJawboneUpreviewsleepsleepingupweight lossWeightLosswristbandwristbandsTue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers create spinal cord connectors from human stem cells, heralding breakthrough]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/researchers-create-spinal-cord-connectors-from-human-stem-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/researchers-create-spinal-cord-connectors-from-human-stem-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/researchers-create-spinal-cord-connectors-from-human-stem-cells/#comments It's taken many years and more than a bit of brainpower, but researchers at the University of Central Florida have finally found a way to create neuromuscular connectors between muscle and spinal cord cells, using only stem cells. Led by bioengineer James Hickman, the team pulled off the feat with help from Brown University Professor Emeritus Herman Vandenburgh, who collected muscle stem cell samples from adult volunteers. After close examination, they then discovered that under the right conditions, these samples could be combined with spinal cord cells to form connectors, or neuromuscular junctions, which the brain uses to control the body's muscles. UCF's engineers say the technique, described in the December issue of the journal Biomaterials, marks a major breakthrough for the development of "human-on-a-chip" models -- systems that simulate organ functions and have the potential to drastically accelerate medical research and drug development. These junctions could also pay dividends for research on Lou Gehrig's disease or spinal cord injuries, though it remains unclear whether we can expect to see these benefits anytime soon.

Researchers create spinal cord connectors from human stem cells, heralding breakthrough originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicanatomybioengineerbiologybiomedicalbreakthroughbrown universityBrownUniversitycellhealthhumanhuman on a chipHumanOnAChipmedicineneuromuscularneurosciencepaperresearchspinal cordSpinalCordstem cellStemCellstudyUCFuniversity of central floridaUniversityOfCentralFloridaWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Freescale Home Health Hub wants to usher in the era of connected medical devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/freescale-home-health-hub-wants-to-usher-in-the-era-of-connected/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/freescale-home-health-hub-wants-to-usher-in-the-era-of-connected/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/freescale-home-health-hub-wants-to-usher-in-the-era-of-connected/#comments Home Health Hub Freescale has its little silicon hands in all sorts of things: e-readers, smartphones, tablets, even refrigerators. Now the manufacturer is looking to make a dent in the healthcare industry with a connected platform called Home Health Hub (HHH). The i.MX28-based HHH isn't an actual product, but a reference platform for others to build on. The ARM9 processor is connected to a host of networking interfaces, including WiFi, Bluetooth (as well as its low-power implementation), Zigbee, sub-1GHz and Ethernet. The Hub is supposed to be just that, a central point for connecting various medical devices like blood pressure monitors or glucometers that then feeds data to a tablet. Developers and other interested parties can get their hands on the reference platform from Digi International as the iDigi Telehealth Application Kit for $499. Check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Freescale Home Health Hub wants to usher in the era of connected medical devices

Freescale Home Health Hub wants to usher in the era of connected medical devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth low energyBluetoothLowEnergyDigi InternationalDigiInternationalfreescalehealthhealthcarehhhhome health hubHomeHealthHubi.mx28iDigi Telehealth Application KitIdigiTelehealthApplicationKitmedicalsub-1ghzwifizigbeeSat, 19 Nov 2011 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific trots out Gaiam Touch button-free heart rate monitors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/oregon-scientific-trouts-out-gaiam-touch-button-free-heart-rate/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/oregon-scientific-trouts-out-gaiam-touch-button-free-heart-rate/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/oregon-scientific-trouts-out-gaiam-touch-button-free-heart-rate/#commentsThey're being hailed as the first button-free, touch screen heart rate monitors, with Oregon Scientific and Gaiam teaming up to produce the wearable SE338M and SE336. According to the companies, these things are a scant two millimeters thinner than any competing product on the market, and they've even captured an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Award in the Health & Wellness category. Looking more like a watch than a fitness / health tool, the Touch line supports both wrist and chest-worn options, utilizing ECG technology that requires but a single touch of the finger on the monitor's sensor for an accurate heart rate reading. For those eying the strap model, that one operates in digital and analog modes and tracks fat burned, though the strap-free model will also track calories burned and heart rate data. Predictably, you'll also find a stopwatch, zone alarm, clock and calendar, and those itching to find a stocking stuffer this early can plop down $99.99 to $109.99 right now at the Oregon Scientific Online Store, Target, Sports Authority, Academy Sports, MC Sports and Athleta.

Continue reading Oregon Scientific trots out Gaiam Touch button-free heart rate monitors

Oregon Scientific trots out Gaiam Touch button-free heart rate monitors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryexercisefitnessGaiamGaiam TouchGaiamTouchhealthheartheart rateheart rate monitorHeartRateHeartRateMonitormedicalminipostOregon ScientificOregonScientificperipheralse336se338mFri, 11 Nov 2011 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[New sensor can read your heart from afar, but knows not your feelings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/new-sensor-can-read-your-heart-from-afar-but-knows-not-your-fee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/new-sensor-can-read-your-heart-from-afar-but-knows-not-your-fee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/new-sensor-can-read-your-heart-from-afar-but-knows-not-your-fee/#comments
Are you fed up with your current ECG sensor? Tired of all the mess of electroconductive gels, sticky electrodes and tangled wires? How about this: Britain's Plessey Semiconductors offers an ECG sensor that promises heart-monitoring without the hassle. We've seen similar technology before, but according to the company, the Electric Potential Integrated Circuit -- or EPIC, as it's humbly called -- can read heartbeats even through a sweater; future versions might be embedded in hospital gurneys for constant, unobtrusive monitoring. Like an extremely sensitive voltmeter, it detects tiny changes in electric fields, which means it could also be used for Kinect-style motion interfaces. The company even imagines a future system where firefighters can use the EPIC to find humans in a smoke-filled room. If you're thinking, "My, that sounds just like my Deus Ex dreams" -- hey, we're right there with you.

New sensor can read your heart from afar, but knows not your feelings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricbiosensorBritainecgElectrocardiogramepicepic sensorEpicSensorhealthhearthospitalmedicalmonitormonitoringPlessey SemiconductorsPlesseySemiconductorssensorsensorsThu, 03 Nov 2011 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Jawbone Up detailed: tracks activity, food intake and sleep cycles, available November 6 for $100 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/jawbone-up-detailed-tracks-activity-food-intake-and-sleep-cycl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/jawbone-up-detailed-tracks-activity-food-intake-and-sleep-cycl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/jawbone-up-detailed-tracks-activity-food-intake-and-sleep-cycl/#comments
Back in July, Jawbone did something puzzling. The company, best known for its Bluetooth headsets, teased a photo of a colorful wristband called the Up -- a deceptively simple thing that could purportedly track your eating, sleeping and exercise habits. The outfit left out a few teensy details: the price, shipping date and, the biggest riddle of all, how it works.

At last, the company's ready to talk specifics. We just got word the Up will be available in the US November 6th for $100, and will continue its world tour on the 17th. With that price, it's well-matched against the clip-on Fitbit Ultra tracker, and indeed, they have some key features in common -- namely, a step counter and a few requisite social networking features. But with a sensor that knows when you're in deep sleep and a mobile app that can identify photos of food, it has a few unexpected tricks that could give devices like Fitbit a run for their money. We'll be getting one to test very soon, but in the meantime, join us past the break to learn more.

Gallery: Up by Jawbone

Continue reading Jawbone Up detailed: tracks activity, food intake and sleep cycles, available November 6 for $100 (video)

Jawbone Up detailed: tracks activity, food intake and sleep cycles, available November 6 for $100 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exercisefitnessfitness goalfitness goalsFitnessGoalFitnessGoalshealthhealth goalsHealthGoalsIOSios appios appsIosAppIosAppsJawboneJawbone UPJawboneUpsleepsleep cyclesleep cyclesSleepCycleSleepCyclessleepingupvideoweight lossWeightLosswristbandwristbandsThu, 03 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T plans to sell exercise apparel that tracks your vitals, performance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/atandt-plans-to-sell-exercise-apparel-that-tracks-your-vitals-per/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/atandt-plans-to-sell-exercise-apparel-that-tracks-your-vitals-per/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/atandt-plans-to-sell-exercise-apparel-that-tracks-your-vitals-per/#comments E39 health-tracking shirt It's not enough for AT&T to simply sell cellphones, its emerging devices unit also traffics in everything from GPS dog collars to connected pill bottles. Now the company wants in on the fitness tracking craze. Forbes is reporting that Ma Bell will start offering apparel that could track GPS routes, heart rate and other vital stats -- similar to the E39 shirt above from Zephyr and Under Armour. The clothing isn't just for athletes though, the military, first responders and seniors could also benefit from the technology. Sadly, no firm release date or prices were announced, so don't expect to wander into a Modell's and pick up a wicking t-shirt that uploads your workouts to RunKeeper any time soon.

AT&T plans to sell exercise apparel that tracks your vitals, performance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelattatt emerging devicesAttEmergingDevicesclothingEmerging DevicesEmergingDevicesexercisefitnessfitness trackingFitnessTrackinggpshealthhealth tracking clothingHealthTrackingClothingheart rate monitorHeartRateMonitorma bellMaBellmobilepostcrosstrackingMon, 31 Oct 2011 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin launches Fit App, motivates you to lose that freshman fifteen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/garmin-launches-fit-app-motivates-you-to-lose-that-freshman-fif/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/garmin-launches-fit-app-motivates-you-to-lose-that-freshman-fif/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/garmin-launches-fit-app-motivates-you-to-lose-that-freshman-fif/#comments Garmin, the company responsible for helping you navigate to the mall food court, is now hoping to help you work off those cheese fries with the introduction of its $.99 Fit App for Android and iPhone. The mobile app -- which works a lot like the Nike+ -- measures distance, time, calories and speed walked, run, cycled or traveled to capture your calorie burning journey. Connected users can also set goals, track their workouts and share results with others addicted to the burn. In addition to the app, Garmin is rolling out a $49.99 ANT+ adapter for iPhone, which monitors heart rate and cadence when paired with another optional sensor like a footpod. If you can't muster up the energy to try it out right now, we're sure you can at least head on past the break to check out the PR.

Continue reading Garmin launches Fit App, motivates you to lose that freshman fifteen

Garmin launches Fit App, motivates you to lose that freshman fifteen originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidant+appappscellphonecellphonesfit appFitAppfitnessfootpodgarmingooglehealthiosiphonemobilepostcrossnike+Nike+Gpsrunrunningworking outWorkingOutTue, 25 Oct 2011 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellphones are dangerous / not dangerous: Danish study tilts toward the latter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-danish-study-tilts-tow/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-danish-study-tilts-tow/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-danish-study-tilts-tow/#commentsChalk one up for the chatterboxes. In a study spanning 18 years and more than 350,000 test subjects, researchers in Denmark have found no connection between cellphone usage and brain cancer. The landmark project, carried out by Denmark's Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, was published online last week in the British Medical Journal, and is just the latest in a series of similarly optimistic studies. Of the 358,403 cellphone owners examined, only 356 were found to have a brain tumor, while 856 were diagnosed with cancer of the central nervous system -- percentages that are comparable to those seen among non-mobile users. Even among long-term cellphone owners (13 years or more), incidence rates were not significantly higher than those observed among the general population. Hazel Nunn, head of evidence and health information at Cancer Research UK, described the study as "the strongest evidence yet that using a mobile phone does not seem to increase the risk of cancers of the brain or central nervous system in adults." The study's authors, however, acknowledge some shortcomings in their work, including the exclusion of "corporate subscriptions" -- people who use their mobile devices for work, and who probably use them more heavily than the average consumer. They also recognized the need for longer-term research and for more child-specific studies. You can check out the article in full, at the coverage link below.

Cellphones are dangerous / not dangerous: Danish study tilts toward the latter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainbrain cancerBrainCancercancercellphonecellphones dangerouscellphones dangerous not dangerousCellphonesDangerousCellphonesDangerousNotDangerouschildrendangerous not dangerousDangerousNotDangerousdenmarkhealthinstitute of cancer epidemiologyInstituteOfCancerEpidemiologymedicinemobilemobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostminireassuringresearchstudyWHOTue, 25 Oct 2011 06:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola MOTOACTV hands-on (update: video with Dean Karnazes!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorola-motoactv-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorola-motoactv-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorola-motoactv-hands-on/#comments So when Motorola teased its "faster, thinner, smarter, stronger" event we were pretty sure that was a not-so-subtle reference to the 7mm-thick Droid RAZR. As it turns out, the company was also being quite literal. Instead of a Xoom 2, the outfit rounded out its New York City presser with MOTOACTV, an iPod Nano-like touchscreen device that plays music and keeps track of your various fitness vitals. While we couldn't take it more than a few feet away from the pedestal where it was on display, we did get to poke around its UI for a few minutes and put that 600MHz processor to the test. You know the drill: hands-on photos below, along with impressions and a short vid after the break.

Gallery: Motoactv hands-on


Joseph Volpe and Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Continue reading Motorola MOTOACTV hands-on (update: video with Dean Karnazes!)

Motorola MOTOACTV hands-on (update: video with Dean Karnazes!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calorie countercalorie countersCalorieCounterCalorieCountersdean karnazesDeanKarnazesfitnessfitness gadgetsFitnessGadgetshands-onhealthMotoactvMotorolamp3 playerMP3 playersMp3PlayerMp3Playersmusic playermusic playersMusicPlayerMusicPlayersrunningvideowalkingweight lossWeightLossTue, 18 Oct 2011 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola announces MOTOACTV, 'the ultimate fitness device']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorola-announces-motoactv-the-ultimate-fitness-device/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorola-announces-motoactv-the-ultimate-fitness-device/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/motorola-announces-motoactv-the-ultimate-fitness-device/#comments It's official, Motorola's just officially unveiled MOTOACTV (not to be confused with these guys), its very own music and fitness device. The little running mate sports a 600MHz processor, runs Android and weighs a healthy 35 grams. It'll apparently track your heart rate, and log running, walking and cycling statistics, and packs GPS to track your exercise routes. The Nike+ competitor is unsurprisingly sweat and waterproof and can hold up to 4,000 songs. It also offers FM radio and audio "coaching," which updates on pace and distance, for those who need a little inspiration in their routine. Moto's also outing a pair of accompanying Bluetooth headsets, the SF700 ($149) and SF500 ($99), which will be sold separately. The MOTOACTV will set beat-bumping runners back $249 or $299 for 8GB and 16GB, respectively. Full PR is after the break, and official photos are on the way.

Gallery: Motorola announces Motoactv, 'the ultimate fitness device'



Be sure to check out our Motorola liveblog right here!

Continue reading Motorola announces MOTOACTV, 'the ultimate fitness device'

Motorola announces MOTOACTV, 'the ultimate fitness device' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsfitnesshealthmotoactvmotorolamotorola mobilityMotorolaMobilitymp3mp3 playerMp3PlayermusicpmpsportsTue, 18 Oct 2011 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Jawbone's Up wristband warms up at AT&T store, wants you faster, stronger]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/jawbones-up-wristband-warms-up-at-atandt-store-wants-you-faster/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/jawbones-up-wristband-warms-up-at-atandt-store-wants-you-faster/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/jawbones-up-wristband-warms-up-at-atandt-store-wants-you-faster/#comments

Jawbone's fitness-obsessed wristband appears to be closing in on the retail finish line. The Up pairs with what appears to be an iOS app, (no news on whether an Android version is in the pipeline), and will pile on the guilt about your disgustingly sedentary lifestyle. You can have the luxury of feeling like a weight loss reality show contestant by scheduling "get up and move" reminders when you've succumbed to watching back-to-back mediocre sitcoms with a Doritos family bag chaser. There's also a sleep tracker and a challenge tab to plot your amazing weight loss journey (or descent to an early demise) against friends and family. It'll monitor what you eat, and even tell you which foods "help you feel your best." (We think it's cake.) No word on price or arrival date just yet, so you'll just have to put up with Autom until we hear more.

[Thanks, Luke]

Jawbone's Up wristband warms up at AT&T store, wants you faster, stronger originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesappsATTeateatingfitfitnessfitness gadgetfitness gadgetsFitnessGadgetFitnessGadgetshealthhealth appsHealthAppsiOSiphone appIphoneAppJawbonejawbone upJawboneUplifestylemobile appsMobileAppsmobilepostcrosssleepsleepingteaseteaserUpwearableweight lossWeightLosswristbandwristbandsThu, 13 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Monkeys control virtual arm with their brains, may herald breakthrough for paraplegics]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/monkeys-control-virtual-arm-with-their-brains-may-herald-breakt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/monkeys-control-virtual-arm-with-their-brains-may-herald-breakt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/monkeys-control-virtual-arm-with-their-brains-may-herald-breakt/#commentsMonkey mind-controlled arm: It sounds like the name of an awesomely terrible sci-fi film or a fledgling grindcore group, but it's a very real phenomenon, and one that could pay significant dividends for paraplegics everywhere. Neurobiology professor Miguel Nicolelis and his team of researchers at Duke University recently devised a method by which monkeys (and, perhaps one day, humans) can control a virtual arm using only their brains. It's a concept similar to what DARPA has been pursuing with its mind-controlled "Luke" arm, with one important difference: Nicolelis' system not only allows users to remotely execute motor functions, but provides them with near-instantaneous sensory feedback, as well. Most similar techniques use electrode implants to stimulate brain activity, but this can create confusion when a patient's brain sends and receives signals to and from a prosthetic arm. Nicolelis circumvented this problem with a new interface that can read and transmit brain signals to an artificial limb, before switching to a receptive mode in just milliseconds.

After designing the technology, Nicolelis and his colleagues tested it on two, electrode-equipped rhesus monkeys. One set of electrodes was placed in the motor cortex of each animal, with the other implanted within their brains' sensory regions. They then trained the monkeys to look at a three identical objects on a computer screen and to "touch" each object with a virtual arm, controlled by signals sent from the brain electrodes. Only one of the three objects had a so-called "virtual texture," which, if selected with the on-screen arm, would send a sensory signal back to the monkey's brain (while triggering a tasty squirt of fruit juice for the lucky contestant). The two rhesus species ended up passing the test with flying colors, resulting in a "proof of principle" that Nicolelis' system can send tactile signals to the brain in almost real-time. The scientists have already developed a way for monkeys to control the arm wirelessly, and are now embedding their technology within a full-body, mind-controlled exoskeleton for paralyzed patients, as well. Of course, the technology still needs to be tested on actual humans, though Nicolelis seems confident that he and his team have already cleared the most difficult hurdle: "Since we cannot talk to the monkeys, I assume with human patients, it's going to be much easier."

Monkeys control virtual arm with their brains, may herald breakthrough for paraplegics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armartificial limbArtificialLimbbrainDukeDuke UniversityDukeUniversityhealthlimbmedicineMiguel NicolelisMiguelNicolelismindmind controlmind controlledMindControlMindControlledmonkeyneurobiologyneurologyneuronparalysisparalyzedparaplegicproof of principleProofOfPrincipleprostheticprosthetic armProstheticArmrhesussciencesensoryvirtualvirtual armVirtualArmThu, 06 Oct 2011 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Piezoelectric system turns your balmy breath into pungent power]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/piezoelectric-system-converts-your-balmy-breath-to-pungent-power/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/piezoelectric-system-converts-your-balmy-breath-to-pungent-power/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/piezoelectric-system-converts-your-balmy-breath-to-pungent-power/#commentsResearchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have come up with a way to produce electricity from just about the most renewable source known to man -- his own breath. It's all thanks to a plastic microbelt developed by engineers Xudong Wang, Chengliang Sun and Jian Shi. Made of a material known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), this belt produces an electric charge whenever low-speed airflow passes over it and causes it to vibrate -- a result of that vaunted piezoelectric effect. Eventually, Wang and his team were able to tinker with their system to the point where it could produce enough current to charge small electronic devices. "The airflow of normal human respiration is typically below about two meters per second," Wang explained. "We calculated that if we could make this material thin enough, small vibrations could produce a microwatt of electrical energy that could be useful for sensors or other devices implanted in the face." The researchers say their technology could be used to power smaller biomedical devices like blood monitors and pacemaker batteries, which typically don't demand vast amounts of energy. No word yet on when this system could make its way to the mainstream, but we'll be waiting with bated breath.

Piezoelectric system turns your balmy breath into pungent power originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airflowbiomedicalbreathbreathingelectricityenergyengineeringglucose monitorGlucoseMonitorhealthhumanpacemakerpiezoelectricplastic microbeltPlasticMicrobeltpolyvinylidene fluoridePolyvinylideneFluoridepowerPVDFrenewableresearchrespirationuniversity of wisconsin-madisonUniversityOfWisconsin-madisonWed, 05 Oct 2011 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo bad breath, body fat and food analyzers hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-bad-breath-body-fat-and-food-analyzers-hands-on-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-bad-breath-body-fat-and-food-analyzers-hands-on-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-bad-breath-body-fat-and-food-analyzers-hands-on-vid/#comments It's been a busy year for NTT DoCoMo's research and development division, with the company presenting a goldmine of future accessories at its CEATEC booth. We're not seeing anything terribly exciting in the smartphone department, beyond a wider adoption of Android, but from the battery with a 10-minute charge time that we saw yesterday to the bad breath, hunger, body fat and food analyzers that you'll find below, there are certainly quite a few gadgets worth checking out. We're bundling a few of them here, so jump past the break for our hands-ons with three different health accessories (including a bad breath analyzer!) and a clever food analyzing app.

Gallery: NTT Docomo Breath, Body Fat, Food Analyzers hands-on

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo bad breath, body fat and food analyzers hands-on (video)

NTT DoCoMo bad breath, body fat and food analyzers hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessorybad breathbad breath analyzerBadBreathBadBreathAnalyzerblood alcohol levelBloodAlcoholLevelbreath analyzerBreathAnalyzerceatecceatec 2011ceatec japanCeatec2011CeatecJapanchibadocomofoodfood analyzerFoodAnalyzerhealthjapanmobilepostcrossnttntt docomoNttDocomoprototypeprototypessmartphone accessoriessmartphone accessorySmartphoneAccessoriesSmartphoneAccessorytokyotokyo japanTokyoJapanTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Fitbit Ultra review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/fitbit-ultra-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/fitbit-ultra-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/fitbit-ultra-review/#comments
Oh, hey, Fitbit. Nice to see you again. Although we thought the original fitness tracker did too little for a $100 gadget, enough people apparently begged to differ, as the the outfit just trotted out a second-gen model, dubbed the Fitbit Ultra. Like its predecessor, this little guy analyzes eating, exercise and sleep patterns (largely with the help of an accompanying website). If you've been following along, you know that design hasn't changed much, while that website and hundred-buck price should be mighty familiar, too. This time around the company is adding a few new features, including Foursquare-esque badges and an altimeter for counting how many steps you've climbed. But does this series of minor enhancements add up to a significant improvement? Time to lace up your running shoes, kids, and meet us after the break.

Gallery: Fitbit Ultra

Gallery: Fitbit Ultra review

Continue reading Fitbit Ultra review

Fitbit Ultra review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometercalorie countercalorie countersCalorieCounterCalorieCountersFitbitFitbit UltraFitbitUltrafitnessfitness gadgetfitness gadgetsfitness goalfitness goalsFitnessGadgetFitnessGadgetsFitnessGoalFitnessGoalshealthhealth goalsHealth TechHealthGoalsHealthTechpedometerpedometersreviewvideoweight lossWeightLossMon, 03 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Compact Stress Meter provides checkups from the comfort of your cubicle (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/compact-stress-meter-provides-checkups-from-the-comfort-of-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/compact-stress-meter-provides-checkups-from-the-comfort-of-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/compact-stress-meter-provides-checkups-from-the-comfort-of-your/#comments
Chances are you don't need a machine to know that the office stresses you out, but if you've ever felt an urge to actually quantify the toll your boss takes on your body, the Compact Stress Meter could be your new best buddy. Developed by researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University, this system uses a pulse wave sensor and infrared reflective probe to measure the blood flowing through a user's fingertips, which serves as a relatively accurate stress index. All you have to do is place your finger on the sensor for ten seconds, and an accompanying computer program will automatically display your stress levels in real-time by analyzing variations in blood flow. At this point, the software and sensor are still separate, though the meter's developers have already completed a new prototype with the sensor built in to a mouse, allowing users to continuously gauge their stress while diligently working in front of their computers, or while furiously searching for a new job. Click past the break to see the meter in action for yourself.

Continue reading Compact Stress Meter provides checkups from the comfort of your cubicle (video)

Compact Stress Meter provides checkups from the comfort of your cubicle (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodcompact stress meterCompactStressMeterhealthjobmouseofficeprototypesciencesensorsoftwarestressstress meterStressMetertokyo metropolitan universityTokyoMetropolitanUniversityvideoworkworkplaceSat, 01 Oct 2011 05:35:00 EST