Lifestyle and healthcare technology are some of the hottest topics, especially around this time of the year with the CES having just passed. There have been many tech products in the past few years that promised to change the world or at least how we live our lives; most have not lived up to those promises.
I am a fan of lifestyle and healthcare technology, from home automation to home monitoring. But, the truth is, products don’t really impact the lives of its users so much until they reach the point where they empower us to be, do or achieve more with our lives. That’s where most manufacturers get it wrong; they don’t ask what we (the users) want, need or aspire to that their technology can assist us with.
Lifestyle and Healthcare Technology Product Videos
Skybell WiFi Doorbell
Skybell is a wifi camera that allows you to see who is at your door and talk to them via an app on your smartphone. It includes a wide-angle lense, night vision and even a motion sensor to let you know someone is there if they don’t ring the doorbell. Made in the USA, widely available at $199.00.
WHILL Next Generation Personal Mobility
WHILL provides mobility in a versatile, stylish, and unobtrusive way. It was designed by former Toyota and Nissan automobile experts and engineers. It reportedly is the world’s first mobility device to ever feature all direction 4WD, with advanced motion and complete terrain coverage. Whill can be purchased from their headquarters in San Carlos, CA for around $9,500.00.
Vigour
Vigour is a healthcare technology developed in the form of a cardigan sweater, with integrated sensors that monitor upper body movement. It enables geriatric patients, physiotherapists and family to gain more insight in the exercises and progress of a rehabilitation process through the use of an iPad app. To my knowledge, this product is not available to purchase, yet.
Quikiks Hands-Free Shoes
Quikiks is a hands-free shoe that can people who struggle with the task of putting on their shoes. It doesn’t sound that amazing, but once you see it in action you’re going to see the genius. Developed by Hands-Free, LLC, Quikiks can be bought from their website for $249.00.
Ring
Ring is a new product from Logbar, Inc. that allows gesture control of many apps and devices by way of a single piece of jewelry; a ring. It is a little large in size, but the possibilities it presents is amazing. Just watch the video and you’ll see. This product was named a CES 2015 Innovation Awards Honoree and has been covered by CNN, Mashable, Entrepreneur and many others. Priced at $269.00 and shipped worldwide.
Quell Wearable Pain Relief Technology
Quell is a healthcare technology device designed to provide relief from chronic pain through neurostimulation. Specifically, pain that may be suffered by those with diabetes, sciatica, fibromyalgia or degenerative knee conditions. The lightweight device can be worn day or night for pain relief. You can also use a smartphone to track and personalize therapy. Developed by NueroMetrix, Inc., Quell is slated for availability in 2015 for around $250.00.
There you have it; 6 new lifestyle and healthcare technology products to be on the lookout for. If you have seen any you’d like me to cover or include in the next round-up, tell me in the comments or let me know on Twitter @aging_in_place or @MarkHager.
feeatured image source: Whill, Inc.
