Tag Archives: temperature

Smart earrings can read your temperature, paving the way for new wearables

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When people talk about wearables or wearable tech, they are mostly thinking of smartwatches and fitness trackers, basically those that are worn on your wrist. Technically speaking, however, any kind of technology that can be worn on your body would qualify as wearables, hence the name, but we have been restrained by the limits of current technologies and design trends. Fortunately, it isn’t a dead end yet, and smart rings are starting to become a viable alternative, allowing some people to still keep track of their health while finally being able to wear their favorite classic watches again. These rings reveal the potential of jewelry that could deliver those same features while allowing you to maintain your fashion sense, like this earring that can read your body temperature, something that is still uncommon even on smartwatches today.

Designers: Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, Yujia (Nancy) Liu, Joseph Breda, Vikram Iyer, Shwetak Patel, Mastafa Springston (University of Washington)

Our bodies are a treasure trove of data, depending on which part you are observing. Smartwatches try to shed light on our health by literally shining light through the skin on our wrists and down to blood vessels. Smart rings largely do the same, though on your finger, of course. While much of your body’s state can be calculated from these areas, some body parts give more accurate biometrics than others. There might still be some debate about it, but some researchers believe that the ears, particularly our earlobes, are a better source for that kind of information.

That’s the medical foundation that the Thermal Earrings are based on, a research project that is attempting to create a new wearable that is both functional and potentially fashionable, especially for women. The device uses two sensors, one that magnetically clips to the earlobe and measures body temperature, while another dangles an inch below it to measure room temperature. Comparing data from these two sources yields a more accurate body temperature reading compared to smartwatches that can’t properly differentiate ambient temperature. This accurate reading is crucial not just for knowing your body’s temperature but, for women, also for keeping track of their ovulation and periods.

The Thermal Earrings’ diminutive design presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It uses up very little power and uses low-power Bluetooth to transmit its data to a paired smartphone. In theory, it can be charged with solar or kinetic energy, but implementing a charging system for that is proving to be a bit tricky. And since only one earring is enough to read the wearer’s body temperature, it raises the question of what the other earring would do. Should it be a simple non-smart decoy to pair with the smart earring or can it also be used to read some other biometric as well?

More importantly, however, the Thermal Earrings open the doors to another kind of wearable accessory. Although the current prototype is largely limited by the electronics it uses, it can already be customized with charms and gemstones. More research into different materials and forms can hopefully lead to more chic styles, ones that ladies won’t be embarrassed to be seen wearing.

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Pixel 8 Pro thermometer can now ready body temperatures, but is it worth it?

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When Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro, it revealed a feature that seemed to be a solution looking for a problem. It had a temperature sensor, one of if not the first to debut on a smartphone, that was advertised as a way to, well, check the temperature of food or your baby’s water bottle. There were leaks claiming that it could also take your body’s temperature, but that never came to pass, at least until now. Google finally let the cat out of the bag that it was just waiting for FDA approval, so the Pixel 8 Pro is now capable of reading your body temp, though the exact process and usefulness of that feature still remains a big question mark.

Designer: Google

Why would you want to use your phone to read your own temperature anyway? That’s because many people have been quite obsessed with checking their body temperature ever since the recent pandemic, and short of awkwardly carrying a thermometer with you all the time, using a smartphone is the next best thing. But since the feature would be used to take the place of a medical device, it needed regulatory approval first, which Google finally got.

According to the tech giant, the secret to this feature is the infrared sensor that’s positioned right beside its cameras. Before this body temperature feature was finally released, all it was allowed to do was measure the temperature of non-living objects by holding the phone no farther than two inches from the target. Unsurprisingly, there’s only a limited number of applications for such a thermometer, so it was like a feature that buyers were paying for but couldn’t fully use. The narrative now changes with the addition of body temperature readings, but it might not be a clear win either.

It uses the infrared radiation, a.k.a. heat, that our body generates to make this reading, but Google claims it does one better than the typical forehead digital thermometers commonly used today. It measures the temporal artery, that is, the artery located on your temple, to get a more accurate reading. Of course, the data is further processed by an AI-powered algorithm before being displayed on the Pixel thermometer app. The process, however, isn’t as quick or as straightforward as those forehead thermometers. You need to first hold the Pixel 8 Pro two inches away from the center of your forehead, wait for the beep to signal the start of the scanning process, and then swipe the phone toward your temple, all in just four seconds. The scanning automatically stops after four seconds, so the accuracy of the reading also depends on how accurate your movements are.

Although Google is quite confident in the accuracy of this feature, it’s still a bit doubtful how much use it will get in real life. Admittedly, body temperature reading is far more useful than precariously placing your phone so close to a hot object, let alone one that’s giving off smoke or steam. Fortunately, the Feature Drop that delivered this feature on Pixel phones also has other goodies, like Circle to Search which was first announced on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Google is also launching a new Mint Green flavor of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, in case you’re still in the market for a new phone, especially one that you can also use as a thermometer.

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Robot air conditioner concept rolls to whoever needs a refreshing blast of air

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Our bodies are built differently and adjust in different ways to the same environment. Some like it cold, while others prefer a toasty space. There are also people whose body temperatures adjust more quickly, causing them to get cold or hot faster than others. The problem with air conditioners and heaters is that they are all-or-nothing solutions, adjusting the room to a temperature that may not be comfortable for everyone in the same space. The ideal but impractical solution would be to give each one their own personal air conditioner, but this smart home robot concept tries to offer a more practical answer that still manages to deliver a personalized cold or warm breeze to the right person that needs it.

Designer: Miray Ozlem ER

This robot air conditioner combines several technologies and concepts that are already present in our homes today. Those with smart appliances may already have plenty of sensors detecting the environment they’re in, so it might not be too much of a stretch to have a robot with a thermal camera rolling about, similar to a robot vacuum cleaner. We also have plenty of portable air coolers, warmers, and scent diffusers these days, so cobbling them together into a single appliance isn’t exactly a pipe dream, either.

The idea behind the design, however, is a little bit more nuanced. Body temperature can greatly affect one’s moods and emotions, and since different bodies have different temperature needs even if they’re in the same room, the robot can navigate to the right person or group and let free a gust of cold or hot air, depending on what they need to get them into a state of equilibrium. The robot can also release fragrances across the room, which is a more effective way of diffusing scents rather than relying on natural airflow.

The design of the robot itself is quite peculiar, looking almost like a UFO that has been grounded. The base is a disc with a low dome top, and it contains wheels for movement and an air purifier for sucking in dirty room air to be released by the robot later. The “top” part is a sphere that can roll in place to direct the air and scents at an angle. It also contains thermal sensors and a screen that displays the ambient temperature. Concentric circles glow in red or cyan to indicate whether it’s releasing hot or cold air, respectively.

This kind of rolling air conditioner robot is admittedly a more feasible design compared to a drone that flies around the house. There is, however, also room for some more frivolous future features, such as a magnetic levitation mechanism similar to some wireless speakers in the market today. Of course, that doesn’t mean it would be a practical addition, especially if it gets in the way of functionality, but it’s still an interesting option to keep in mind when the technology reaches that point.

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Robot air conditioner concept rolls to whoever needs a refreshing blast of air

Posted on by

Our bodies are built differently and adjust in different ways to the same environment. Some like it cold, while others prefer a toasty space. There are also people whose body temperatures adjust more quickly, causing them to get cold or hot faster than others. The problem with air conditioners and heaters is that they are all-or-nothing solutions, adjusting the room to a temperature that may not be comfortable for everyone in the same space. The ideal but impractical solution would be to give each one their own personal air conditioner, but this smart home robot concept tries to offer a more practical answer that still manages to deliver a personalized cold or warm breeze to the right person that needs it.

Designer: Miray Ozlem ER

This robot air conditioner combines several technologies and concepts that are already present in our homes today. Those with smart appliances may already have plenty of sensors detecting the environment they’re in, so it might not be too much of a stretch to have a robot with a thermal camera rolling about, similar to a robot vacuum cleaner. We also have plenty of portable air coolers, warmers, and scent diffusers these days, so cobbling them together into a single appliance isn’t exactly a pipe dream, either.

The idea behind the design, however, is a little bit more nuanced. Body temperature can greatly affect one’s moods and emotions, and since different bodies have different temperature needs even if they’re in the same room, the robot can navigate to the right person or group and let free a gust of cold or hot air, depending on what they need to get them into a state of equilibrium. The robot can also release fragrances across the room, which is a more effective way of diffusing scents rather than relying on natural airflow.

The design of the robot itself is quite peculiar, looking almost like a UFO that has been grounded. The base is a disc with a low dome top, and it contains wheels for movement and an air purifier for sucking in dirty room air to be released by the robot later. The “top” part is a sphere that can roll in place to direct the air and scents at an angle. It also contains thermal sensors and a screen that displays the ambient temperature. Concentric circles glow in red or cyan to indicate whether it’s releasing hot or cold air, respectively.

This kind of rolling air conditioner robot is admittedly a more feasible design compared to a drone that flies around the house. There is, however, also room for some more frivolous future features, such as a magnetic levitation mechanism similar to some wireless speakers in the market today. Of course, that doesn’t mean it would be a practical addition, especially if it gets in the way of functionality, but it’s still an interesting option to keep in mind when the technology reaches that point.

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This advanced neckband helps cool your body to maintain peak performance

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Nothing can be more distressing and demotivating than having to do physical or mental work on a hot day. Our bodies become lethargic, and our minds try to daydream of better days. Sometimes, that condition can even be dangerous, such as when you start to feel drowsy while driving. There is a variety of cooling solutions available these days, ranging from electric fans to air conditioners, but few of them can claim to lower your body temperature in a quick yet comfortable manner. They might even cause other issues, such as allergies or colds. That kind of discomfort, however, might now be a thing of the past, thanks to this innovation that cools your body in a novel way, bringing the world’s first-ever technology to focus on cooling one of the most heat-sensitive body part: your neck.

Designer: Degreve Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $109 $194 (43% off). Hurry, exclusive deal for YD Readers!

Our necks are one of the weakest parts of our body when it comes to heat intolerance. That’s why in many cases, people place a cold towel on the back of the neck to help relieve that uncomfortable feeling, especially after a strenuous workout. That need to be cool, literally, applies to other parts of our lives as well. When our body feels like it’s overheating, not only do we feel sluggish, we also tend to be unable to use our mental faculties properly, which adversely affects our productivity.

Thermonecks offers quick relief to this problem by cooling off that sensitive part of our body. With a fashionable design that you won’t be ashamed to wear, the neckband brings the body back to its thermal sweet spot by basically applying an innovative cold material on certain areas of the neck. This isn’t the same as simply putting ice or ice-cold towels on your neck, which can lead to ice burns and skin damage.

Instead, the neckband uses Dual Temperature technology that keeps the temperature at 57°F (14°C) and 68°F (20°C), known to be the ideal low temperatures to effectively cool down the body without damaging the skin.

The secret to this almost magical feat is the advanced Thermo Pads that can freeze in just 10 seconds when submerged in ice water. In a regular cold environment, the packs can freeze in just about 10 minutes. And when the pads are applied to the neck, it only takes 15 minutes to cool down the body by as much as 7 degrees, allowing you to become comfortable enough to get back to work or drive around with a clearer head. And rather than applying a uniform low temperature across the neck, Thermonecks’ Dual Temperature system applies different temperatures where appropriate. The lower 14°C temperature is applied to the central cervical spine, while the 20°C level is better for cooling the carotid arteries on the sides of the neck.

Despite the advanced science behind it, using the Thermonecks is as easy as pie. Simply freeze the Thermo Pads, insert them into the stylish neck support, and then wear the neckband comfortably around your neck. You can even freeze the Thermo Pads on the go with the included “Supercharger” and carrying case. In just 60 minutes, you’ll be ready to slip those frozen pads back into the neckband to let you enjoy its body cooling powers again. Even better, you will have two Thermo Pads right out of the box, allowing you use one while the other is in the Supercharger, and then keep on swapping between them on the go as needed.

We often have to wait for the right place, time, or equipment to beat the heat, sometimes when it’s too late to do any good. Keeping cool when you need it and when you want it is essential to living a healthy life, whether you’re in the house or in your car. Whether you’re trying to cool off after a workout, trying to focus on your homework during a summer afternoon, trying to keep your body cool for good night’s sleep, or simply trying to relax and chill, the Thermonecks brings your body back to its ideal temperature to let you move and live in comfort. For only $109, a special discount for Yanko Design readers, you will get everything you need to keep your body refreshed and your mind focused in no time flat.

Click here to Buy Now: $109 $194 (43% off). Hurry, exclusive deal for YD Readers! Raised over $120,000.

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Quanta Vici jackets and gloves let you choose how warm you want to be

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You no longer have to be stuck between hot and cold with this range of fashionable smart thermal clothing that lets you pick your preferred toasty temperature.

You might debate the actual causes, but it’s hard to argue that the weather has been pretty irregular and out of sync in the past years. Seasons extend beyond their normal dates, and temperatures can go to extremes. For those that have to deal with cold weather, be it by force or by recreational choice, the selection of clothing to keep them from freezing to death is wide but shallow. There isn’t much flexibility in how you are able to keep warm, and you’ll mostly have to either pile up more layers or take them off, depending on how you feel. We are living in a smart, tech-centric world, however, so there’s little reason why our winter clothes have to stay that way. Thankfully, someone did finally put two and two together to create a line of thermal clothing that isn’t just smart but also guilt-free.

Designer: Adrien Beyk of Quanta Vici

Click Here to Buy Now: $189 $410 (54% off). Hurry, less than 48 hours left!

Winter wear is mostly designed to trap your own body heat to keep you warm, and that’s pretty much it. If the cold becomes too much to bear, all you can do is wear more layers to the point that you become an immovable pin cushion. You can’t really go anywhere in between, much less opt for a slightly “chill” temperature if you’re the type that likes a tiny bit of cold. Heaters and thermostats can do that for rooms and cars, but not for clothing, at least until now.

Quanta Vici’s new thermal clothing lineup brings that freedom and flexibility to thermal jackets, vests, and gloves. You can actually select on your smartphone how warm you want to feel or how cold you want to be. Better yet, the built-in thermostat from the “Smart” range can automatically do that for you, detecting the temperature inside the clothing in order to maintain that perfect level that you chose.

Although these features may sound geeky, Quanta Vici’s apparel looks anything but. In fact, the jackets and especially the gloves look completely fashionable, something that wouldn’t look out of place on a catwalk. The gloves, in particular, make use of animal-free vegan-friendly leather, so you don’t have to feel guilty about wearing such a luxurious-looking accessory. It’s also friendly to your phone’s touch screen, so you don’t have to worry about freezing your finger off just to use your device.

Both the slim jacket and the vest, which come in different styles for guys and gals, are made from recycled polyester, continuing that theme of sustainability. Even the zippers are recycled, so you can enjoy the warmth that the smart jackets give while also feeling good about your positive impact on the environment. The clothing is washable, but you’ll have to remember to remove the battery first before you do.

The Quanta Vici smart thermal clothing line is exclusive to Kickstarter and starts at $149 for the “base” range, while the “smart” line with the built-in thermostat starts at $179. But with this one-time Kickstarter-exclusive flash sale, you can get any single Smart product, be it the jacket, vest, or glove, for only $159.

Elegant, effective, and environment-friendly, Quanta Vici’s smart heated slim jackets and leather gloves demonstrate the true meaning of wearables without going overboard on the tech.

Click Here to Buy Now: $189 $410 (54% off). Hurry, less than 48 hours left!

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This key fob concept checks your vital signs and becomes your portal to establishments

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The world is slowly trying to get back up on its feet while still trying to keep in mind that the dreaded virus is still around. Despite lifting restrictions, some safety measures are still in place to ensure that the worst-case scenario is never going to happen again. Sometimes, simply being mindful of your own body’s status can already have a significant impact. This is why a designer conceptualized what could be the easiest way to check your body anytime, which also doubles are your key to unlock experiences inside schools, workplaces, and other closed spaces.

Designer: William Fairnington

Even while businesses have started opening up again, some still implement basic checks before they let people in. While not exactly a sure indicator for a viral infection, one’s body temperature can still be a good sign of one’s health or lack of it. Some establishments might even take that as a requirement before you can enter the premises.

That’s why the name of this tiny vital monitoring system is quite apt. “Portal” suggests an entrance, and this keyfob is your figurative and literal key. A Portal owner can simply swing the key fob near a specially-made contactless detector, wait for it to turn green, and walk right in. Unlike some digital ID on your phone or smartwatch, this monitor leaves fewer opportunities for fingerprinting and tracking people, providing them with some level of privacy.

Portal doesn’t just check for body temperature, of course, and it is equipped with some of the same sensors you’d find in a smartwatch or fitness tracker. That includes heart rate and blood oxygen levels, the latter being an important point of interest for those keeping tabs on respiratory problems. These three sensors are packed in a small rectangular block that simply glows green if you’re good to go.

It might be puzzling why you’d want a separate device for something that a smartwatch already provides, but not everyone is actually keen on having a tracker on their wrist. The Portal offers this kind of easy monitoring without the complications, allowing anyone to simply place the fob on their wrist whenever and where ever they need to take a reading.

It still connects to a smartphone, of course, to provide exact readouts and historical data, but it’s easy to imagine the device itself wouldn’t have much that could leak personally identifiable information. The designer hopes that the concept, if it becomes a product, would help democratize vital monitoring, which is going to be critical in our civilization’s journey back to normal.

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Amazon responds to backlash with increased protection for workers

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Early this week, workers from Amazon, Whole Foods and Instacart walked off the job to protest what they say is a lack of protections against COVID-19. Now, Amazon is sharing its plans to increase employee temperature checks and provide surgical masks...

ER docs don smart rings to better predict COVID-19 infections

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Some 2,000 emergency medical workers in San Francisco are tracking their temperature and other vitals with Oura's smart rings in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, SF Chronicle reports. Oura and researchers from the University of California...

Antarctica is hotter than it’s ever been

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Temperatures in Antarctica have reached a record high. According to Argentinian research station thermometer, the temperature climbed to 18.3 degrees Celsius, or 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit. That beats Antarctica's previous record of 63.5 degrees, measur...