Health and fitness gadgets were center stage at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the annual technology trade show held in Las Vegas. Wearable devices to monitor just about everything in the human body were in abundance, there were also a few futuristic devices that promise to help thousands of people when they become available. Here’s a look at some of the hottest health and fitness gadgets on display at last week’s show.
The Ion Proton Sequencer
We all know that accurately mapping the genome will bring numerous advantages, but for most of us, it’s just too pricey to get sequenced. Life Technologies promises to change all that with its DNA sequencer that the company claims can decode the human genome for $1,000 in less than one day. According to Life Technologies up until now, it has taken weeks to months to sequence a human genome with costing between $5,000 to $10,000. The device, which uses next-generation semiconductor sequencing technology, is expected to be available by the end of the year.
Photo Source: Life Technologies Corporation
Powerbag Backpack
Whether you are hiking in the desert or trekking through city streets, you need a place to carry your stuff and keep your cellphone and other electronic devices humming along. Powerbag backpack is hard wired with a complete charging system including an Apple connector, micro and mini USB connectors and an onboard USB port. That means your backpack can charge up to four devices at one time. The company claims the bag will charge an array of devices by two times or more and can even work on your e-reader and tablet.
Photo Source: http://www.mypowerbag.com/
Careverge
It was only a matter of time until the social media world infiltrated the health industry. Website Careverge claims it will change how we manage our health and medical information by providing consumers access to personalized health tools, incorporating social networking, online gaming and health management. Brought to you by Audax Health, the site allows users to connect with other users, search through thousands of reliable sources of health information, set and track health-related goals and a tool to track and report data from devices such as a glucose or heart rate monitor. The site also offers reward-based games that users can redeem in the Careverge Marketplace.
Photo Source: https://www.careverge.com/user/landing
Wahoo Blue HR Heart Rate Strap for iPhone 4S
Your iPhone 4S not only takes great pictures and videos, it can now be transformed into a wireless heart rate monitor. Wahoo Fitness’ Blue HR Heart Rate strap for the iPhone 4S is, according to the company, the world’s first Bluetooth heart rate strap for the iPhone 4S. Combine the strap with Wahoo’s free app and your phone iPhone is now a heart rate monitor. You won’t need any wires or adapters to send real time heart data to your phone. The strap cost $79.99.
Photo Source: http://www.wahoofitness.com/
CareSpeak
Taking medications is a necessity--but it can also be an inconvenience, especially if you have to take the drugs at a certain time. Since forgetting is not a good option, CareSpeak has developed software that helps you remember to take your medicine by sending text reminders to your mobile phone. The software, which can be used by patients, pharmaceutical companies and by health benefits managers, can be customized for specific diseases. For instance the software can be used to remind osteoporosis patients to take their monthly meds or for Type 2 diabetes patients to track their glucose levels.
Photo Source: http://www.carespeak.com/newcs/index.html