The potential of technology equipment can carry

The idea of ​​using a sensor to monitor one of your body's functions (such as heart rate, blood pressure) was often used primarily in the medical industry or for professional athletes. . But now it is so popular that anyone can buy it at smartphone stores like Apple's Apple Store.

Walk around the sale of accessories of any smartphone store you will see names like Fiber, Nike +, Jawbone, Striiv, BodyMedia and other products, all these devices can listen to your body by one way or another.

They are often not the same, they are small, interesting devices that you can attach to jeans, like straps to wear on your biceps or like watches to wear on your wrist, and even the Their common names, "wearables" , do not fully reflect what they represent.

Quantified-self devices are a simpler name and better describe these products. While it is difficult to read, it is easier to imagine: The device records our interactions with the world, then converts recorded data into an easy-to-understand form that tells us how to change the behavior of us and improve life.

It is a simple goal, but it is still quite difficult to create such a consumer device with small size and reasonable price so far. However technological advancements have provided technological devices that can carry dual power sources. They are small, own cheap sensors, they can combine with extremely powerful smartphones, and continuously connect to cloud computing. Currently, the ability to collect data from your body and directly process these data into something really useful at your fingertips.

"For a long time, people wanted to monitor their health and make good and timely decisions, now there are tools to support them to do that," said Brad Kittredge, product manager. of Jawbone, shared with Mashable technology site. Jawbone is an accessory manufacturer specializing in products such as Bluetooth speakers and fitness support bracelets.

The technology behind the device can carry

Almost all sensors can be connected to a smartphone or tablet in some way, using the phone's data connection as their link to cloud computing, where most of the process takes place. data processing. More than half of all mobile subscribers in the US own smartphones, and each of them is a marvelous technology device that portable devices can take advantage of.

In addition to network connectivity, one of the key components that smartphones contribute to technology devices can bring with it its high-resolution screen, up to full HD (1920x1080 px)."This is the most important, because it helps you to understand the data and consider it in more detail, to find out what it can tell you , " Kittredge said.

In addition, regular smartphones also connect us with social networks. Part of the reason behind the explosion of technology devices that can carry that is that people want to share their data, especially their achievements.

Currently, smartphones are very smart, so it's fair to ask the question why do we still need devices with separate sensors when we own smartphones? In fact, most current smartphones are equipped with light sensors, accelerometers and even gyroscopes, so why do we still need a technology device that can be carried separately to follow Watch things like movement?

"Portable devices can be carried in a number of ways that the phone cannot, for example, on your skin or on your body , " Kittredge said. "The technology devices that can carry are easy to identify whether you are asleep or awake. And it can also interact with you. For example, Jawbone's UP fitness bracelet can shake you, to wake up. friend".

In addition, although sensors on mobile phones have been significantly improved over the past few years, there are a few things they still lack. The altimeter sensor for altitude measurement is not the standard sensor that you often see on a smartphone, so a Striiv-like device is a promising device for users to track individual movements. Including tracking the climbing process, stairs.

Kittredge pointed out that when carrying a device that can carry human behavior will change.

"When you bring a device, you understand that you're carrying it , " he said. "We realize that people who wear UP bracelets move 26% more than usual."

Real product: Data

Tracking our bodies - whether movement, sleep or meals - is only a step. The most important part is to convert those data into something easy to understand so we can act accordingly. Most carry-on devices often go with an application that shows us our own activities in real time, helping us visualize the present and change what we do. Jawbone went further in this step with its UP platform, importing data from other services and allowing these services to access data from the UP bracelet.

"With this API, we are trying to provide this as a unique way," Kittredge said. "Using this API, you can access the data sources you care about and track it the way you want. The more signals you capture, the more points we can understand. and connection pattern ".

This data collection process is becoming more and more extensive and sophisticated, in the future it can be combined with health care services. Your doctor can give you more helpful advice, if they know how you move and what to eat on a normal day. Finally, insurance companies can also participate by supporting users with technology equipment that can bring insurance participation at preferential prices, in exchange for them to be allowed to access and share their data. friend.

The potential of carry-on technology devices makes people care about its security capabilities, especially when the news of the NSA data collection of people is appearing densely on all directions. media. Kittredge said the dialogue between health care providers and the technology-enabled equipment industry has begun, and concerns are being addressed.

"From a cultural standpoint, we are more aware of the pros and cons of data sharing , " Kittredge said. "I think that these devices (technology devices that can be carried) have real potential, but people will have to be aware of the problem of people following you. One thing is for sure, there will be a lot of things. Many people will be interested in sharing their data with their doctors. "