Looking for your first fitness tracker, or an upgrade to the one you're already wearing? There are plenty of the wrist-worn gadgets available. Here are our picks for the best fitness trackers available right now.
The post Best fitness trackers for 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Check out our roundup of the best new crowdfunding projects and product announcements that hit the web this week. You may not be able to buy this stuff yet, but it's fun to gawk!
The post Awesome Tech You Can’t Buy Yet: Eco-friendly speakers, a cinema for your face appeared first on Digital Trends.
Smartwatches make your life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features. So if you're ready to take the plunge into wearables and want to save money, read on for the best smartwatch deals.
The post Make some time for the best smartwatch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Amazon is dropping substantial discounts on smartwatches as we head into the weekend. The ever-popular Apple Watch Series 3 and Samsung Gear S3 are at some of the lowest prices we've ever seen.
The post Amazon smartwatch sale drops prices on Samsung Gear S3 and Apple Watches appeared first on Digital Trends.
Huawei has launched two new versions of the Watch GT smartwatch, embracing a smaller screen and case size to go along with a new look for the larger model. While it has not added many new features, Huawei does expect you to pay more to own one.
The post Huawei Watch GT Elegant and Active hands-on review appeared first on Digital Trends.
Garmin is debuting four new luxury versions of its Vivomove hybrid smartwatch, and is launching these stylish timepieces on the retail shelves of Bloomingdales and its own website.
The post Garmin adds some bling to its Vivomove HR hybrid smartwatch line appeared first on Digital Trends.
Garmin’s celebrating its 30th anniversary in style with the launch of its Marq range of luxury, “tool watches,” which have special features that will appeal to adventurers, sailors, pilots, racing drivers, and the very sporty
The post Garmin Marq hands-on review appeared first on Digital Trends.
Huawei launched two new versions of the Huawei Watch GT. The first, the Huawei Watch GT Active, comes with two new colors. The Huawei Watch GT Elegant comes with a smaller frame and a more elegant and stylish look.
The post Huawei Watch GT Active and Watch GT Elegant: News and features appeared first on Digital Trends.
Casio, a master of tough watches, has introduced carbon fiber to the construction of several G-Shock models, making them stronger and lighter, and allowing for some interesting design changes too.
The post Carbon fiber is making Casio’s new connected G-Shock watches even tougher appeared first on Digital Trends.
At its launch event for the new P30 and P30 Pro smartphones Huawei surprised us with a pair of smart glasses. Created through a partnership with Gentle Monster, these glasses are designed to be stylish and act like a Bluetooth headset.
The post Huawei’s Eyewear smartglasses aim to fuse fashion and tech appeared first on Digital Trends.
The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now for all three models of this great smartwatch.
The post It’s time to check out the best Apple Watch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Looking for your first fitness tracker, or an upgrade to the one you're already wearing? There are plenty of the wrist-worn gadgets available. Here are our picks for the best fitness trackers available right now.
The post Best fitness trackers for 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
IPC, a global trade association serving the printed board and electronics assembly industries, their customers and suppliers, has issued a call for participation in IPC E-TEXTILES 2019.
Innovators, technologists, materials suppliers, electrical engineers and academicians are invited to submit technical conference abstracts and educational course proposals for the conferences, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pa., September 11, and Munich, Germany, November 12.
Presenters and their companies will have a platform to promote their expertise in e-textiles to key electronic engineers, fashion designers, health and medical suppliers, and managers from the automotive, military and aerospace arenas.
Expert technical papers and presentations are being sought in the areas of reliability, test methods, connectors, design, innovations in materials, mass production, washability and market-specific e-textile technologies.
Prospective presenters must submit a technical conference abstract (about 300 words) summarizing original and previously unpublished work covering case histories, research and discoveries. The abstract should describe significant results from experiments and case studies, emphasize new techniques, discuss trends of interest and contain appropriate technical test results.
In addition, individuals interested in presenting half-day (three-hour) professional development courses on e-textiles design, manufacturing processes and materials should submit course proposals.
Technical conference paper abstracts and course proposals for IPC E-TEXTILES 2019 are due April 10, 2019, and May 10, 2019 for IPC E-TEXTILES Europe 2019. Email Chris Jorgensen, IPC director of technology transfer, ChrisJorgensen@ipc.org.
from Advanced Textiles Source https://ift.tt/2OstyoF
How can a watch that costs $76,000 possibly have anything in a common with any car, let alone a plug-in hybrid? It's all about the complex, technically incredible Spring Drive movement inside this Grand Seiko watch.
The post This $76,000 Grand Seiko watch has something in common with a plug-in hybrid car appeared first on Digital Trends.
Fitbit targets the new user with the Inspire HR, a low-cost, lightweight fitness tracker that covers all the basics. I put the device through its paces. It not only lived up to our expectations for an entry-level tracker, but sometimes exceeded them.
The post Fitbit Inspire HR review appeared first on Digital Trends.
Check out our roundup of the best new crowdfunding projects and product announcements that hit the web this week. You may not be able to buy this stuff yet, but it's fun to gawk!
The post Awesome Tech You Can’t Buy Yet: Robotic companions and computer-aided karaoke appeared first on Digital Trends.
Tag Heuer's Golf Edition Connected Modular 45 smartwatch has a lot more going for it than just a flashy new color scheme. From the titanium body and black PVD coating to the new Golf app, this is a true special edition.
The post Tag Heuer’s Golf Edition smartwatch is a lot more than just a flash of new color appeared first on Digital Trends.
Like a car, this stunning luxury watch has shock absorbing dampers that attach the strap to the case, rather than a more traditional system, to increase comfort. We've worn one, and it really seems to work.
The post Like a car, this watch has dampers on the strap to make it more comfortable appeared first on Digital Trends.
The response has been so great to Frederique Constant’s Hybrid Manufacture connected watch, apparently selling out in some markets around the world, it has announced three new colors for the coming year. The watch is very unusual, in that it takes a mechanical, automatic watch and adds activity tracking and several other smart features to it, […]
The post New gold finish makes Frederique Constant’s hybrid smartwatch flashier than ever appeared first on Digital Trends.
Alpina has introduced four new colors to its AlpinerX smartwatch range, breaking the usually sporty watch out into a more everyday casual design, and given the tech a slight makeover too.
The post Alpina makes its AlpinerX smartwatch even more attractive with new colors appeared first on Digital Trends.
Not all watches have to be round, or connect to your phone. The Tacs Nato-Lens is a stylish piece of wristwear with a design inspired by classic SLR cameras, making it a geeky timepiece for the camera and watch fan.
The post The Tacs Nato-Lens is a watch for those who live life through a camera lens appeared first on Digital Trends.
Garmin's activity trackers offer a lot of advantages for health-conscious individuals and outdoor adventurers, and with spring finally here, now’s a fine time to jump on the smartwatch bandwagon. REI’s Garmin sale is the perfect chance to grab one and save hundreds.
The post REI drops deals on Garmin Fenix 5 and Vivoactive 3 smartwatches appeared first on Digital Trends.
Dharma Teja Nukarapu is the CEO & Founder of SharkDreams. SharkDreams has ambitious plans for bringing affordable healthcare available for everyone regardless of their background and environment. In the interview, Dharma shared with us his thoughts about helping lower-income communities with technology.
Tell us a little bit about your participation in the WT | Wearable Technologies Conference in Munich.
Though SharkDreams has participated in a number of WT events over the past year, Munich’s showcase stood out because it was a culmination of insights we gathered from traveling the globe. Rather than demo one product or facet of LIVIT as we have in the past, we offered Munich’s crowd a peek into the many-armed solution that LIVIT’s ecosystem has become and will continue to augment into with our upcoming collaborations, releases, and appearances worldwide.
What is the one thing you want people to know about SharkDreams?
SharkDreams is mainly focused on bringing care to patients in different environments. We are unique because we are an end-to-end solution, providing the software and hardware, to various healthcare companies—business to business—to then supply advanced technology to their patients through our advanced ecosystem.
Talk to us a little about the major health concerns affecting the Indian population and how you plan to address them.
70% of the Indian population lives in rural areas, meaning they don’t even have access to basic care, and all of the specialty healthcare providers are at least 15 miles away from these rural communities. More often than not, the rural populations suffer from a lower quality of life, meaning they have a greater susceptibility to disease—especially if left untreated. Affordability is another huge problem; this means that if 70% of the population doesn’t have access to quality care, then they are not likely to have the funds necessary for basic care. It’s very important to take advanced technology at an affordable level to these communities—not just through basic care but through connecting these communities to our virtual care systems in a wider healthcare network.
How do you want to improve the Indian healthcare market, which is the largest in the world?
By starting from the ground up. We want to start with the basics of care and promote awareness and coaching to make advanced technology part of their routine. This is the first milestone for improving the market that can then be built upon later.
How can your software—and wearables in general—help lower-income communities and afford their residents more connection?
Our devices are made with affordability and accessibility in mind. The intent is to not just serve those of higher income communities, but to establish an ecosystem capable of addressing people from all backgrounds. In the market of highly depreciable electronics, building disposable, recyclable devices with the required accurate data was important to make the technology available for the mass market. This efficient combination of technology and implementation provides the meticulous tracking necessary for improving patient care outcomes.
What hurdles do you have to overcome to realize your vision—especially in terms of governmental regulations?
It’s always a challenge to convey the vision to decision-makers in different countries—whether due to technology exposure, budgets, priorities, or other governmental preferences. India has very solid regulations in place, which are world-standard, and these are comparable to the standards we’ve seen in European countries and within the US.
Will SharkDreams/LIVIT improve healthcare in Europe, as well?
SharkDreams/LIVIT have already started their global spread, so we are well on our way to implementing our advanced healthcare solutions in Europe and other areas across the globe. Our solutions are not region-specific; we focus on healthcare around the world and cater to providers regardless of location. Our universal approach makes us what we are—an ecosystem capable of being applied to any situation in any geographical area.
What’s next for SharkDreams? Where do you see SharkDreams in three years?
In three years, we want to be helping pharmaceutical companies develop DNA-based drug formulation. We’re constantly monitoring our patients so we can help them customize their drugs for better outcomes, better affordability, and better accessibility.
Dharma Teja Nukarapu will be speaking at WT | Wearable Technologies Conference in San Francisco July 9-10. WT | Wearable Technologies events give excellent opportunities to network and connect with wearable tech professionals and to promote your products and projects. The conference in San Francisco will bring together experts of the industry for already the 34th time!
The Inspire HR may be an entry-level fitness tracker in Fitbit's lineup, but the device still has plenty of features to explore. These are our favorite tips and tricks to help you use the Inspire HR to its fullest potential.
The post Tips and tricks to get you started with your new Fitbit Inspire HR appeared first on Digital Trends.
Fossil has been making watches for 35 years, and to celebrate the anniversary, it has a new retrospective exhibit complete with the first smartwatch it made — the Wrist Net watch from 2004.
The post Fossil made a smartwatch in 2004, and it’s part of a new brand retrospective appeared first on Digital Trends.
Diesel will release two new versions of the On Full Guard 2.5 smartwatch later this year, with seriously cool, denim-inspired straps in classic Diesel colors. We tried them on at the Baselworld 2019 show.
The post Diesel’s denim-inspired smartwatch straps are a casual, colorful must-own appeared first on Digital Trends.
Fossil, the watch company that makes smartwatches under its own name and partners with other major brands too, intends to launch a smartwatch with car manufacturer BMW in the future.
The post Fossil is working on a smartwatch with BMW, and it’s coming next year appeared first on Digital Trends.
Smartwatches make your life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features. So if you're ready to take the plunge into wearables and want to save money, read on for the best smartwatch deals.
The post Make some time for the best smartwatch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Apple may be exploring ways to make Apple Watch bands a little more useful. A new patent has been filed by Apple that suggests Apple Watch bands could eventually have indicators for things like fitness goals.
The post Apple patent suggests Apple Watch bands could have built-in fitness indicators appeared first on Digital Trends.
Just in time for the spring season, Garmin is refreshing its Instinct GPS smartwatch with a fresh coat of paint that brings three new colors to this outdoors-focused watch that debuted last fall.
The post Garmin adds a splash of spring color to its Instinct hiking smartwatches appeared first on Digital Trends.
Got your hands on a Fitbit Versa Lite? The smartwatch may be the pared down version of the more expensive Fitbit Versa, but there's still plenty for you to tweak in the settings. Here are our Fitbit Versa Lite tips and tricks.
The post Fitbit Versa Lite tips and tricks to get started with your new smartwatch appeared first on Digital Trends.
Apple knows that seasons matter in the fashion world, and has refreshed its most popular Apple Watch bands to celebrate the arrival of spring. See them all, including our new favorite teal colors, here.
The post Spring’s here, and Apple’s beautiful new Watch bands will help you celebrate appeared first on Digital Trends.
Apple’s AirPods are among the best fully wireless earbuds we’ve seen, but they’re not perfect. If you’re having trouble, take a look at our guide to the most common problems and what you can do to fix them.
The post Here are some common AirPods problems, and how to fix them appeared first on Digital Trends.
The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now for all three models of this great smartwatch.
The post It’s time to check out the best Apple Watch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Check out our roundup of the best new crowdfunding projects and product announcements that hit the web this week. You may not be able to buy this stuff yet, but it sure is fun to gawk!
The post Awesome Tech You Can’t Buy Yet: Write music with your voice, make homemade cheese appeared first on Digital Trends.
Cold weather is here, and a good action camera is the perfect way to record all your adventures. You don't need to shell out the big bucks for a GoPro: Check out these great GoPro alternatives, including some 4K cameras, that won’t leave you broke.
The post The best budget-friendly GoPro alternatives that won’t leave you broke appeared first on Digital Trends.
Smartwatches make your life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features. So if you're ready to take the plunge into wearables and want to save money, read on for the best smartwatch deals.
The post Make some time for the best smartwatch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Tempted to buy a smartwatch? If so, then the growing number of great models available means you've got plenty to choose from. But which one should you pick? Here is our list of the best smartwatches.
The post The best smartwatches for 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Garmin had been around for 30-years and is celebrating its anniversary with a big announcement: The Marq, a new series of premium adventure smartwatches designed for consumers who want stylish performance and are willing to pay for it.
The post Garmin Marq series offers stylish performance for those willing to pay for it appeared first on Digital Trends.
A new EU research project has launched into finding a new way of powering wearable devices, with the intention of using an energy harvesting system to ensure we never have to charge one up ever again.
The post You will never need to charge a smartwatch again, if new EU project succeeds appeared first on Digital Trends.
According to rumors, Apple will add the much-requested sleep tracking feature to Apple Watch by 2020. The tech giant has reportedly been secretly testing sleep tracking functionality for the Apple Watch. Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg reports that the company has been testing the feature at secret sites near Cupertino for several months.
The first Apple Watch, featured heart rate monitor. Over the past few years the Apple Watch has gained features such as barometric sensor, GPS, ECG, and fall detection.
Read more GolfLogix Apple Watch App Provides Golfers with Yardages, Green Images, Hole Selection and More
So far for all its watches, Apple guarantees run time of only 18 hours. If Apple is planning to include sleep tracking feature, it would have to find a way to improve its energy limitations. Bloomberg suggests that potential solutions could be an increase in battery life, a low-power overnight mode or asking users to do a quick charge in the morning.
Mobi Health News asked Sumbul Desai, Apple’s VP of Health about whether Apple planned to bring its Beddit device into closer integration with the rest of its product suite.
“I would just say that we always integrate our whole ecosystem and make everything usable with our ecosystem, Desai told Mobi Health News. “Sleep, from a physician’s standpoint, we don’t ever view one piece as being the whole picture. It’s sleep, it’s activity, it’s nutrition, it’s your heart health. And so we view all of that together. We’re excited about the work that’s going on with Beddit and it’s an amazingly important effort to us.”
Sleep monitoring feature is a hot item right now. If Apple intends to compete against Fitbit, a company widely popular in the domain of fitness-tracking wearables, Apple needs to add sleep tracking features to its Apple Watch badly.
“The fact that Apple is reportedly working on a sleep tracker for the Apple Watch will significantly increase global awareness around the importance of sleep, and will lead to other companies introducing sleep tracking technology into their wearable devices,” said Amir Inditzky, CEO of corporate sleep company Dayzz.
Fitbit took the best of its popular Versa smartwatch and removed some elements to create the new Versa Lite, an even more affordable entry-level smartwatch. How does the Versa Lite differ from the original Versa? Read on to find out.
The post Fitbit Versa Lite versus Fitbit Versa: How are they different? appeared first on Digital Trends.
Increasingly, consumer electronics companies are using an IPX code to demonstrate that their products are water and dust resistant. But what does this IPX code mean? We break it all down and walk you through it.
The post IPX what? The electronics water- and dust-resistance rating explained appeared first on Digital Trends.
The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now for all three models of this great smartwatch.
The post It’s time to check out the best Apple Watch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Casio has announced its new EDIFICE collection of timepieces – the ECB900DB – with enhanced features like Tough Solar and Bluetooth Connected technology. The new smartwatch is stylish and comfortable and is designed for both professional and personal lifestyles.
Related Casio Pro Trek WSD F30 Smartwatch: Built for the Great Outdoors, Coming in January
“The new ECB900DB demonstrates Casio’s aptitude for progressive design and innovation,” said David Johnson, Vice President of Casio’s Timepiece Division. “It is a great addition to the EDIFICE collection providing all of the features consumers know and crave with a fresh design.”
When paired to a smartphone, the watch can be connected via Bluetooth to access the correct time in its current location and for up to 300 cities worldwide, even updating with the latest time zone and Daylight Saving Time information, says a press release.
The ECB900DB has a bold 3D dial and stainless-steel case and band. The new watch also boasts a Tough Solar chronograph with enhanced charging technology that can efficiently store energy for power as well as maintain a charge. Casio’s Tough Solar technology consists of a solar panel system that converts light to electricity and eliminates the need for battery changes. It can even be charged in low or fluorescent light. After a full-charge and without further exposure to light, the timepiece has a battery life of approximately five months.
Additional features include water resistance up to 100 meters, high-brightness double LED light, stopwatch with speed indicator and more.
Casio’s EDIFICE collection reflects a distinct sense of style by providing men with features that are ideal for professional and weekend lifestyles. The collection speaks to upwardly, mobile men whose goals lie anywhere from the boardroom to the ballpark.
Related Fossil Launches Sport Smartwatch on Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform and Wear OS
The new EDIFICE will be available this spring in two styles: black watch face with blue accents or black watch face with red accents. Both models will be priced at $200, and will be available at select jewelry and watch retailers nationwide, as well as the company’s website.
Know Labs, Seattle-based company that provides diagnostic solutions, developed a small device that uses artificial intelligence to identify blood alcohol levels non-invasively. The Bio-RFID™ platform technology is more accurate than the conventional devices that monitor blood alcohol levels, according to the company. The device can also detect blood glucose.
Read more UT-Dallas Researchers Develop Wearable Sensor That Monitors Sweat for Alcohol And Glucose Levels
“Not only can we detect the holy grail of biotech, blood glucose, but also blood alcohol and more will come in the future,” says Phil Bosua, CEO of Know Labs.
Know Labs just released a video of the device, Bosua not only discusses the Company’s use of Bio-RFID to detect blood alcohol levels, but the broad implications for its technology platform.
“Over the last month we’ve been powering through a ton of experiments and innovations and are really happy to report we’ve now got an AI based algorithm that allows our technology to detect blood alcohol levels non-invasively. So, it’s official – Bio-RFID is now a platform technology. Not only can we detect the holy grail of biotech – blood glucose – but also – blood alcohol, and more to come in the future,” says Bosua.
“You’re witnessing a technology emerge that will change personal medicine forever. And we have even bigger plans for this that we hope will transform early warning medical diagnosis.”
Read more Revolutionary Diabetes Management – Biosensor Accurately Measures Glucose in Saliva
Know Labs’ technology directs structured light or radio waves through a substance or material to capture a unique molecular signature. The Company refers to these signatures as ChromaID™ and Bio-RFID™. ChromaID and Bio-RFID are used to identify, detect, or diagnose substance markers or biomarkers that may be invisible to the human eye. ChromaID and Bio-RFID scanner modules can be integrated into a variety of wearable, mobile or bench-top form factors. This patented and patent pending, award-winning technology makes it possible to effectively conduct analyses that could only previously be performed by invasive and/or large and expensive lab-based tests.
The Swedish division of automaker Toyota in collaboration with Swedish Paralympic committee has developed a virtual reality simulation that can reproduce how people with different visual impairments perceive the world around them. The aim of the VR-experience is to spread knowledge about visual impairments, and spark engagement for para-sports.
In this first of its kind game, the player aims and shoots at a real football goal, while the experience of having visual impairment is simulated through a Virtual Reality experience.
Read more These New Generation of Wearables are Empowering Blind and the Visually Impaired
When competing in visually impaired football your visual defects are classified in 3 different rankings: B1, B2 and B3.
Sabina Andersson Geimer, a renowned Swedish eye specialist, translates the different impairments of the game.
“I’ve worked with blind-sports a long time, and I’m still impressed by the accomplishments of these athletes. It’s not easy to visualize these impairments to people with full sight, but the result is far more realistic than I thought was possible. As far as I know, no one’s done a simulation of these impairments on this level before,” says Geimer, who is a Consultant at the Skåne University Hospital Eye Clinic and national qualifier of blind-sports.
Geimer’s expertise helped Toyota to develop the VR experience with mathematical precision, making the impairments very realistic. Fatmir Seremeti, captain of the Swedish National Goalball Team, commented:
“I think it’s a very thought through and smart way of showing an impairment, where you not only point to the impairment itself, but also show the possibilities that come with having a visual impairment. You don’t have to quit football, and you can absolutely be a part of-and achieve -amazing things, and experience the whole world.”
Read more Controlling Virtual and Augmented Reality with Your Mind
Erik Gustafsson, Manager PR, External Affairs & CSR at Toyota Sweden, said the goal is to make people know how it is like to play a sport with a visual impairment, and promote awareness about athletes participating in the Para sports.
The new VR simulation game will be open to public at several para-sport events this year.
It’s equipped with all the outdoor tools and sensors you want, but the Casio Pro Trek WSD-F30 is as much a lifestyle smartwatch as it is trekking companion.
The post Casio Pro Trek WSD-F30 review appeared first on Digital Trends.
Check out our roundup of the best new crowdfunding projects and product announcements that hit the web this week. You may not be able to buy this stuff yet, but it sure is fun to gawk!
The post Awesome Tech You Can’t Buy Yet: Sustainable footwear and insect-inspired drones appeared first on Digital Trends.
The wearables market is flooded with devices that can monitor physical health such as heart rate, blood glucose and so on, but there aren’t many out there that can track our mental health.
Read more Wearable Devices and Mobile Apps Exploring Users’ States of Mind to Tackle Anxiety and Depression
Mood disorders are mental illnesses that affect how you feel and think about yourself, other people and life in general.
Scientists say technology used in health monitoring wearables can be used to track our psychological health in ways never before possible, reports NBC.
“By spotting early signs of emotional distress, the new apps and wearables could soon help preserve our mental well-being,” the report said.
“We rely on patients to tell us how they feel, and we are beholden to that in making our decisions,” says Ipsit Vahia, a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. But because it isn’t subject to the vagaries of our mood and our ability to assess our psychological state, technology could give doctors more reliable information.
Mood-forecasting technology is a procedure that utilizes the connection between the mind and the body. Studies have shown that changes in our mental state, including periods of sadness or anxiety, affect our bodies in many ways.
A study conducted on 201 college students last June found wearable sensors were 80% accurate in determining when students were feeling stressed.
The best-known biomarker for our emotions is the heart rate, as our pulse speeds up when we’re stressed. But there are other ways that our body can respond to emotional distress. “We know that reduced movement and sleep are markers of depression,” Vahia says. Stress makes us to sweat profusely and our skin temperature often rises with what Harvard psychologist Matthew Nock calls ‘emotional arousal.’
Theoretically, any wearable with sensors for measuring pulse, skin temperature and movement can help track our mood. But even simple gestures or movements can reveal a lot about our emotional state, for example, the way we use our phone.
Read more Bellabeat’s Time is a Hybrid Smartwatch that Also Predicts Your Stress
We post regularly on social media, but the pace at which we do this can tell a lot about our mood. For instance, we post more photos when we’re happy and post fewer when we’re down.
“Based on how we use technology, our mental state can be predicted,” says Sharath Guntuku, a research scientist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Digital Health in Philadelphia.
Looking for a new fitness buddy? Samsung just launched the Galaxy Watch Active and the Galaxy Fit, two new wearables with a raft of fitness-focused features that'll keep you moving and get you down to the gym.
The post Samsung Galaxy Watch Active & Galaxy Fit: Everything you need to know appeared first on Digital Trends.
Smartwatches make your life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features. So if you're ready to take the plunge into wearables and want to save money, read on for the best smartwatch deals.
The post Make some time for the best smartwatch deals for March 2019 appeared first on Digital Trends.
The results of a series of four clinical studies, published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesiology, showed Masimo SedLine® brain function monitoring, in combination with O3® regional oximetry helped researchers understand and manage cerebral desaturations during cardiac surgery.
Related Masimo Receives CE Marking for Next Gen SedLine Brain Function Monitoring for Pediatric Patients
“Combining both NIRS and pEEG allows for a much more nuanced understanding of the etiology of cerebral desaturation. Future studies are needed to investigate if the combination of both modalities is more prognostic than each alone. Every cerebral oxygen desaturation is not equal,” wrote the researchers.
Dr. Etienne Couture, Dr. Alain Deschamps, and Dr. André Denault, all from the University of Montreal, hypothesized that the addition of processed electroencephalography (pEEG) using Masimo SedLine’s processed EEG parameter, the Patient State Index (PSi), to a previously developed clinical management algorithm based on Masimo O3 near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), could help guide the management of cerebral desaturation episodes, said a press release.
The researchers described the impact of combining the modalities on the clinical management of four patients undergoing cardiac surgery. They outlined a series of scenarios that enumerate possible causes of desaturation based on various combinations of changes in NIRS and pEEG, as well as changes in related monitoring data available via SedLine, such as the density spectral array (DSA) and spectral edge frequency (SEF). Possible causes include a change in cerebral blood flow, cerebral hypoperfusion, cardiogenic shock, hypoxemia, a change in the anesthetic state, hyperthermia, and seizure. In the four cases, more insight into the likely cause of a desaturation episode helped guide how clinicians responded during surgery.
Related MIT Researchers Develop MRI Implant that Can Monitor Electronic Signals Inside the Brain
“The additional brain monitoring parameters available through Masimo SedLine, such as the DSA and SEF, play an important role in our protocol, helping to provide additional insight. And, perhaps most significantly, both SedLine and O3 can be used simultaneously on the same Masimo Root® monitoring hub, making it easier to view and interpret the combined data and thus streamlining our use of the desaturation protocol and workflow during surgery,” said Dr. Denault.
Aktiia, a Swiss-US startup that develops optical blood pressure monitors at the wrist, has demonstrated that its cuffless optical blood pressure technology does not need recalibration after two months of use. This achievement overcomes the limitations of existing cuffless blood pressure solutions and propels Aktiia forward in the development of a clinically-validated optical blood pressure monitor at the wrist.
Aktiia’s technology is based on 15 years of research by its founders. Since its incorporation in 2018, Aktiia has translated this scientific knowledge into a fully integrated and beautifully designed cuffless bracelet. The technology uses the same sensors in existing wearables that measure heart rate and reads information from vessels under the skin of the wrist. The data is then analyzed to provide a precise measurement of blood pressure, day and night. The Aktiia bracelet will allow 24/7 blood pressure monitoring without the hassle of interrupting a patient’s day (or sleep) to take a measurement.
Cuffless blood pressure monitors are widely expected to improve the management and follow-up of hypertensive patients by providing comfortable day and night monitoring. However, existing cuffless blood pressure solutions still require regular recalibrations to be performed on a daily basis, limiting usability and creating frustration for patients.
In a study that has been accepted for publication at the 41st IEEE International Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference, Aktiia is the first to demonstrate that blood pressure measurements generated from signals recorded at the wrist using off-the shelf optical sensors can remain stable for up to two months after calibration.
Aktiia takes clinical validation seriously, and in February 2019 initiated an additional validation study that compares its technology against invasive measurements of blood pressure performed in intensive care units (see approved study NCT03837769). This is a major milestone toward clinical validation of Aktiia’s optical blood pressure monitor at the wrist.
About Aktiia
Aktiia was founded in Switzerland in May 2018 out of a passion to create the best tool for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Aktiia´s founders, Mattia Bertschi (CEO) and Josep Solà (CTO) previously contributed to research and development at CSEM, a prestigious Swiss research institute. For 15 years they worked day in and day out to understand the language of our heart signals and decode key markers to gain better insight into blood pressure. They built an incredible team of 12 employees and founded Aktiia to turn their years of pioneering work into a useful tool for people around the globe.
Aktiia’s technology combines common optical sensors and proprietary clinically validated algorithms to measure blood pressure at the wrist. Validated through extensive trials in acute and low-acute settings, its accuracy has received worldwide acknowledgment, enabling Aktiia to proudly offer the most complete and user-friendly blood pressure companion to date. With 1/3 of adults globally suffering from hypertension, this mission is more urgent than ever.
Hearing device developer Eargo said it has raised more than $52 million in a Series D funding round from existing investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA), the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, Nan Fung Life Sciences, Maveron and new investor Future Fund, Australia’s sovereign wealth fund.
The money will be used to further accelerate product innovation, increase awareness of hearing loss and continue to enhance customer experience while driving growth in the domestic market, Eargo said in a press release.
The Mountain View, CA-based company continues to create hearing devices that are designed to be “virtually invisible,” with silicone-based fibers to anchor the device in the ear canal while leaving it open for natural bass sounds to pass through. Eargo’s mission is to change everything about the hearing aid industry, from how the devices are made, sold and used to how customers are supported throughout their entire hearing journey. The company aims to drive awareness of hearing health and promote accessibility to hearing solutions for all.
In January, Eargo unveiled its latest product, Eargo Neo, at the CES 2019 in Las Vegas.
Eargo’s end goal is to help millions of people with hearing loss get back to enjoying life’s experiences. Whether at home or in the workplace, Eargo empowers people to experience life in full, rich sound with a solution that challenges the stereotypes traditionally associated with aging.
Related ReSound Launches LiNX Quattro, the First AI Voice Control Smart Hearing Aid
“Our goal is to re-invent this industry and give the consumer better and more choices when it comes to their hearing health,” said Christian Gormsen, CEO of Eargo. “At Eargo, we strive to provide hearing solutions that people actually want, which includes best-in-class hearing aids that are invisible, easily accessible, state-of-the art and supported with ongoing professional care. The backing from great investors gives us the momentum to continue our growth with even more incredible products and experiences in 2019 and beyond.”
A study conducted in 16 nursing units of nine acute-care hospitals found the Leaf Patient Monitoring System promotes early patient mobility and can double adherence rates with patient-turning protocols.
Read more VitalConnect’s VitalPatch Biosensor and VistaTablet Provides Continuous Patient Monitoring Anywhere
In each institution’s patient turning protocols, the Leaf system improved adherence by identifying patients who needed repositioning, and according to the nurses, the system made patient repositioning much easier, says a press release.
“It’s exciting that Leaf Patient Monitoring Technology enables timely repositioning of patients to reduce the risk of pressure injuries and promote early, safe mobility,” said Melissa Klaeb, PT, DPT, the study’s corresponding author. “But even more exciting is the fact that surveys of nurses using the Leaf system demonstrated the wearable technology is easy to use and increases unit efficiency and workflow. This distinguishes the Leaf system from so many medical devices that are difficult or complicated to use and offer dubious value.”
From the nurses in the study:
The Leaf technology made it easier for nurses to conduct timely patient turning. Only 6% found timely patient turning to be difficult to very difficult with the new system, down from 44% without the system.
Studies have shown the Leaf System improves patient turning and mobility, reduces pressure injury rates, helps nurses prioritize patient care, improves unit workflow, and saves hospitals non-reimbursed costs associated with the treatment of pressure injuries.
The Leaf System tracks patient movement and activity in bed-bound, chair-bound, and ambulatory patients. Deployed in healthcare facilities since 2014, Leaf system is the first FDA-cleared medical technology that continuously monitors patient activity and position to identify those who could benefit from repositioning.
Read more KOB Manufactures Medical Textiles for Smart Applications in Patient Monitoring and Therapy
Pressure injuries are the fastest-growing hospital-acquired condition, according to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Serious pressure injuries affect 705,000 patients a year and add $10.2 billion to annual U.S. healthcare costs.
Finding the right smartwatch can be difficult, especially with their hefty price tags. Apple dominates this wearable space but Samsung isn't far behind. Whether you're an iOS or Android user, Amazon is slashing prices on the Apple Watch and Samsung Gear S3 Frontier.
The post Amazon slashes prices on Apple Watch and Samsung Gear S3 smartwatches appeared first on Digital Trends.
Fitbit's spring 2019 lineup includes a new Versa Lite Edition, an affordable everyday smartwatch, as well as the stylish and sleek Inspire and Inspire HR fitness trackers. There's also the Ace 2, a swimproof tracker for kids ages 6 and up.
The post With spring 2019 lineup, Fitbit drops the price, splashes on the color appeared first on Digital Trends.
Sight Diagnostics, an Israeli digital health company that aims to bring affordable, scalable and accurate blood diagnostics to the point-of-care, has raised $27.8 million in Series C funding. The funding was led by Longliv Ventures, a division of multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Group, who invested $10 million. Other investors included Jack Nicklaus II, Steven Esrick and existing investors OurCrowd, Go Capital and New Alliance Capital.
Read more Sweat-Based Wearable Sensor May Soon Replace Blood Tests
Sight will use the fund to support the company’s regulatory efforts in the U.S., and to advance its research and development toward expanding its blood test offerings, according to Sarah Levy, CTO of Sight Diagnostics.
“After proving our technology in malaria detection, it became overwhelmingly clear to us that the CBC, the world’s most common blood test, is where we’d make the most impact,” Levy said. “The ability to create rich digital images of blood samples and analyze them in minutes has enormous potential to improve diagnostics and patient care. This funding round will also allow us to expand our R&D activities to develop applications beyond CBC.”
Olo, a small device, about the size of a toaster oven, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to process scans. The device digitizes blood into colored microscope images, and then runs sophisticated computer vision algorithms that identify and count cell types in a sample, reports Venture Beat.
CBCs (Complete Blood Count) are used to investigate a range of disorders including anemia, infection, and certain cancers. Specialists are required to conduct the test and it takes several days for the results. Olo is simple and any layperson can operate it, it’s robust enough to account for small inaccuracies and errors, claims Sight Diagnostics.
Read more HemaShock: Emergency Auto-Transfusion Tourniquet Can Save Lives from Heart Attacks and Bleeding
“Sight’s mission is to improve health by providing fast, accurate and pain-free testing when and where it is needed,” said Yossi Pollak, CEO of Sight Diagnostics. “The company will use the funding first and foremost to ramp up the global expansion of OLO, Sight’s lab-grade point-of-care blood diagnostics system, and with Longliv Ventures as a strategic investor we look forward to an effective and rapid expansion of our sales.”
Elvie Pump is the world’s first silent wearable breast pump. A complete departure from existing pump technology, Elvie put women at the centre of the design process to create an entirely new pumping experience that offers more freedom and mobility. The truly hands-free pump gives women the flexibility to go about their daily routine while pumping, without worrying about cords, wardrobe changes or the undignified sound of traditional electric breast pumps.
Elvie is a winner of the 10th IOT / WT Innovation World Cup® in the Healthcare category. 28 international wearable tech and IoT innovators were part of the thrilling finals on February 5th at the 33rd WT | Wearable Technologies Conference 2019 in Munich. Selected out of more than 500 submissions from over 45 countries by the international expert jury, they are the top techpreneurs to watch out for in 2019.
Do you want to participate in the next edition, the 11th Innovation World Cup® Series? The registration is already open, and solutions can be submitted for free at www.innovationworldcup.com
The excruciating pain from back injuries can be long-lasting. Back problems are common among workers working at factories, construction sites, and farms. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the back injuries of more than 1 million workers account for nearly 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Workplace injury costs billions of dollars yearly.
Related MATE Exoskeleton by Comau Boosts Workers’ Strength and Performance without Using Electric Power
Scientists are regularly developing various wearable devices to reduce workplace injury. Exoskeletons can help, but they essentially shift the load from one part of the body to another. Powered exoskeletons, on the other hand, have limited functionality and are very expensive.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institutes for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK and for Reliability and Microintegration IZM in Berlin have now developed ErgoJack – a smart soft orthosis – to relieve back strain and encourage workers to execute strenuous movements in a more ergonomic way, says a press release.
“Our soft robotic upper-body orthosis’ unique selling point is its real-time motion analysis. Specially developed algorithms based on machine learning and AI enable the ergonomics to be analyzed. This sets this orthosis apart from commercially available exoskeletons. The latter are wearable robots that, inherently to their functional principles, amplify all types of movements – even unergonomic ones – and merely divert the load placed on the wearer from an overloaded part of the body to a less taxed area,” says Dipl.-Ing. Henning Schmidt, a scientist at Fraunhofer IPK.
The new orthosis developed by IPK uses motion analysis to distinguish between ergonomic and unergonomic movements. A vibrating alarm alerts the wearer about an impending danger when they adopt posture or perform movements that are detrimental to their health.
Inertial measurement units (IMU), built into the vest compare pre-learned movement patterns with the worker’s actual movement and assess it in real time. This takes just a few hundred milliseconds. The miniaturized motion sensors are located on the shoulders, back and thighs.
The vest also features robust, miniaturized electronics, including an embedded controller, a vibration module and a rechargeable battery.
Related Ford Unveils Exoskeleton Vests Worldwide to Help Lessen Worker Fatigue and Injury
“The real-time algorithm requires complex calculations and has to be very robust, but a very small data set suffices to train the system to a new worker’s movement pattern,” says Schmidt, describing another feature that sets this system apart.
The researchers will present a prototype of this wearable soft robotics system at the joint Fraunhofer Booth C24 in Hall 17 at the Hannover Messe from April 1 to 5, 2019.
The awesome new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is now available for pre-order, and if you order yours from Walmart by Thursday, March 7, then you can score a free wireless charging pad -- a $60 value -- totally free.
The post Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and get a free wireless charging pad appeared first on Digital Trends.
Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor has developed a Digital Key, which allows users to unlock and start their Hyundai car via their smartphone. The new Digital Key, which may soon replace traditional keys, can be downloaded via an app and used by up to four authorized people.
“The Digital Key will benefit a very wide range of future Hyundai customers, as well as enabling innovative new schemes for vehicle sharing,” said Ho Yoo, Group Leader of Hyundai Motor Group’s Electronics Development Group. “We are studying other ways to harness this type of connected-car technology to greatly enhance the driving and ownership experience.”
When the user places the authorized Digital Key-enabled smartphone near the car door to open it, its presence is detected by NFC technology, which then opens the door.
The NFC antenna for entry identification is located in the handles of the driver and front passenger’s doors, while the one for starting the engine is located within the wireless charging pad, according to a press release.
The system automatically stores the user’s preferred vehicle settings including the position of mirrors, seats and the steering wheel, as well as controls for the audio, video and navigation (AVN) systems and head-up display, removing the need for the driver to change settings every time they enter the car.
Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the alarm and start the engine. In addition, once the vehicles with autonomous parking features are commercialized, such features are also expected to be remotely controlled.
The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when renting the vehicle. For instance, it can even be used to enable a courier to open the trunk to deliver a parcel.
Read more Ellcie’s Smartglasses Prevent Car Crashes by Detecting if You’re Falling Asleep
In the future, the company wishes to further enhance the Digital Key to alarm a trigger when the vehicle exceeds a defined speed or travels outside a designated area.
For cases such as using a valet service or visiting a repair shop, where handing over a digital key is not feasible, conventional smart key and card type key are also provided.
Hyundai Motor Group aims to gradually implement the technology in its new production cars, starting with next generation Sonata which is to make its U.S. debut in the New York Motor Show.
Marvell, a leading infrastructure semiconductor solutions provider, expanded it’s a long-term partnership with Samsung for enabling leading wireless infrastructure networks. The two companies are now collaborating on the development and launch of multiple generations of radio and control plane processors for both LTE and 5G NR, enabling carriers to deploy multi-radio access technology in order to meet the ever-increasing data usage of today’s users and emerging applications.
Read more Qualcomm Announces Support for Next Generation Immersive Compute for XR Viewers for 5G Smartphones
The demands of next-generation networks require a comprehensive and integrated technology approach that adapts to the high data rates, near zero latency and increased density inherent in the new standards. Additionally, the need to support legacy LTE and LTE-A operation simultaneously with 5G NR is essential for cost-efficient deployments. LTE-A Rel 14 and 5G NR also enable many new use cases including smart cities, automated factories, telemedicine, IoT and virtual reality, says a press release.
“Samsung is committed to driving the next wave of 5G innovation by working together with key industry players including Marvell,” said Jaeho Jeon, executive vice president and head of R&D, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Leveraging expertise in LTE and 5G commercialization, we will continue to explore the potential of the advanced technologies to push beyond the limits of today’s new radio technologies.”
Read more MWC 2019: MediaTek Accelerates 5G Rollout with Helio M70 5G Modem for Sub-6GHz Spectrum
Raghib Hussain, chief strategy officer and executive vice president of the Networking and Processors Group at Marvell Semiconductor, said his company is honored to partner with Samsung for delivering novel technology power the next wave of 5G network connectivity. “Our wireless infrastructure platform provides our tier 1 partners a comprehensive solution to enable LTE-A and 5G NR deployments from the radio access network through the edge to the core,” he said.
Shimmer, a global leader in wearable technology for research applications, has just launched a next-generation wearable sensor platform. We interviewed Geoff Gill, the president of Shimmer Americas, about the new technology and the future of Shimmer.
Clinical trials have always been on our radar screen as excellent applications for wearables, but we didn’t see a lot of interest in them until about two years ago. At that time, we had several inquiries within a couple of weeks and we decided that the market might finally be ripe. During the next year, we spent a lot of time going to conferences and talking with all the stakeholders (sponsors, CROs, technology providers, sites, and participants) to really understand all their needs. We then designed a system from the ground up to meet those requirements.
2. How was the process of designing the platform?
We continued to meet with stakeholders throughout the entire development process, sharing our design concepts with them and getting feedback. We also used our experience in developing large-scale systems for other markets – particularly neuromarketing.
3. What do you want people to know about Verisense?
It was designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of clinical trials – no touch for participants, minimum burden on sites, complete data for sponsors, a simple dashboard to manage the data collection for CROs, and many other specialized features.
4. Which hurdles did you have to overcome while building the platform or are there any challenges you are facing at the moment?
Achieving a battery life of up to six months was a major technical achievement. The biggest challenge that we, and every participant in the industry, face is gaining acceptance from sponsors and regulators for the novel endpoints that this technology enables.
5. What is the impact of Verisense on clinical trials?
Verisense makes continuous monitoring practical for clinical trials – not just for activity and sleep but for a huge range of digital biomarkers, everything from tracking Parkinson’s tremors to counting trips to the bathroom during the night. These digital biomarkers can provide much more precise and accurate outcome measures, which can transform clinical trials, significantly reducing the participant population required and shortening the duration of the trials.
6. Who is currently using Verisense? What kind of feedback have you received from them?
We will be starting our first trials in March. Those trials will use Verisense for monitoring activity and sleep in Alzheimer’s, cancer-related fatigue, stroke side-to-side asymmetry, and potentially Parkinson’s pre-tremors.
7. Who should be using Verisense? What are the benefits for users?
Verisense is very flexible and can be used for a huge range of applications. We are getting a lot of interest from researchers studying CNS [central nervous system] diseases, but there are many other applications as well. By addressing the key pain points of each set of stakeholders, Verisense makes it possible for sponsors to get complete and accurate data reliably with minimum burden.
8. What’s next for Shimmer? Do you have any new products in the pipeline?
We will be adding more sensors to the Verisense platform, starting with ECG [electrocardiograph] and moving to many others such as EMG [electromyography], GSR [galvanic skin response], bioimpedance, etc. We also plan to integrate seamlessly into a variety of EDC [electronic data capture] systems. We will follow our customers’ lead to prioritize which ones we do first.
9. What are your favourite trends happening in the wearables ecosystem at the moment? How do you see the market evolving in the future?
We are reaching a tipping point in the adoption of wearables in clinical trials. Although only 1-2% of trials today use wearables, based on conversations we are having and some data I’ve seen, I would estimate that we will double that penetration every year for the next 5 years.
The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now for all three models of this great smartwatch.
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Janssen Pharmaceutical’s TREMFYA® One-Press, a single-dose, patient-controlled injector for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis received FDA approval. TREMFYA is the first FDA-approved medication of its kind to offer the One-Press patient-controlled injector.
One-Press was designed with patients in mind: it fits comfortably in the hand and offers a controlled injection that hides the needle throughout the process. TREMFYA is administered as a 100 mg subcutaneous injection once every 8 weeks, after starter doses at weeks 0 and 4. TREMFYA is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician, and patients may self-inject with TREMFYA One-Press after physician approval and proper training. TREMFYA One-Press is now available in the U.S, said a press release.
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It appears on the skin in patches of thick, red, scaly skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 6.7 million adults in the United States. The condition can be very itchy and sometimes painful.
Many people find it hard to self-administer treatments for plaque psoriasis because of reasons such as needle phobia. Study showed that patients were very satisfied with the One-Press injector. The mean score for “Satisfaction with Self Injection” was 9.18 (with 10 indicating “Very Satisfied”) and the mean score for “Ease of Use” was 9.24 (with 10 indicating “Very Easy”).
To study the efficacy and safety of TREMFYA administered with One-Press, a double-blind, placebo-controlled ORION study was conducted. The results showed TREMFYA was very effective and safe.
Read more CES 2019 Healthcare Wearable: L’Oreal My Skin Track pH Breaks Cover
“The results of the ORION study showed the administration of TREMFYA with One-Press was safe and effective, providing patients with a new, more convenient way to inject their treatment,” said Laura Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “These findings are also exciting as they demonstrated that treatment with TREMFYA helped half the patients achieve complete clearance with a PASI 100 response at week 16.”
Smartphone manufacturers can now bring new experiences with XR ecosystem support for Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 mobile processor. The XR viewer, announced at the MWC 2019, enables operators and platform providers to deliver the next generation of mobile immersive computing experiences in 5G smartphones.
Read more Qualcomm Announces Advanced Snapdragon X55 5G modem to Accelerate Global 5G Rollout
The new XR (extended reality) viewer model tethers a headset to a Snapdragon 855-powered phone over USB-C. Several manufacturers are developing XR headsets designed to work with Snapdragon 855 phones. XR is the next generation of immersive mobile compute and with the significant benefits that 5G affords like high data rates and low latency, XR viewers can be optimized and commercial-ready for the mobile industry in 2019, said Qualcomm in a press release.
“Our HMD Accelerator Program has been a critical catalyst for ecosystem partners ranging from component suppliers and ODMs, to bring quality standalone XR headsets to consumers,” said Hugo Swart, senior director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Building upon the momentum of this program, we will extend it to XR viewers and compatible smartphones, starting with smartphones enabled by the Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform. In collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders, we are working towards the common goal of transforming how the world connects and communicates by offering premium, immersive experiences over 5G.”
With major smartphone brands including, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi and BlackShark aiming to commercialize Snapdragon 855 smartphones in 2019, the XR viewer initiative can expand the range of offerings to bring innovative content and a greater set of services to consumers.
Read more Augmented Reality Getting Even More Realistic With Big Businesses Jumping In
In addition to telecom operators, XR viewers and smartphones manufacturers, platform and content providers will be critical in driving immersive content and applications over 5G. Platforms like the HTC-developed VIVE Wave, allow for seamless cross-platform access and high-performance development to deliver extraordinary content. Other platform providers and application developers like Arvizio, NetEase-AR, Iconic Engine, NextVR, SenseTime and Wikitude also are ready to support the initiative, and some of them will be demonstrating at MWC.
