In this week’s SmartWorld roundup we’ll be focusing on apps and devices that help our bodies function better.  There’s a new Bluetooth chip that can be used for heart monitors, a new range of personal medical devices, and an app that helps you bring out your A game no matter where you are, or what situation you are in.

Broadcom’s Bluetooth smart chip

Broadcom recently introduced a new Bluetooth Smart system-on-a-chip (SoC) that would propel a broader range of low-cost, low-power peripherals to work with Android-based smartphones and tablets.

The new  BCM20732 Bluetooth Smart SoC is designed to be simply integrated into coin cell batteries and provide a new range of connectivity to previously unconnected devices.  With the Broadcom Bluetooth Smart SoC, it is now possible to operate Bluetooth-enabled smart devices for a year without recharging or replacing the battery.  It can be equipped in peripheral heart rate monitors, and used in patients who need constant monitoring, as well as  pedometers, door locks, lighting, proximity alarms and countless other devices we use daily.

Broadcom also announced the contribution of its Bluetooth software stack, including classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart (formerly Bluetooth Low Energy) technology, to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

“The integration of Bluetooth Smart into the Android community is a huge step forward for the ‘Internet of Things’,” said Brian Bedrosian , Broadcom’s Senior Director, Embedded Wireless, Wireless Connectivity Combo Group. “Broadcom is committed to driving new standards of connectivity for OEMs by providing both software and hardware for simplified development of high-performance products. Adding direct support for Bluetooth Smart directly into the most widely used mobile OS will greatly expand the opportunities for users to easily monitor and control aspects of their health, fitness, and security for smartphones and tablets.”

Scanadu

Most people are afraid to get checked out by a doctor and usually just resort to the internet, particularly WebMD, to “diagnose” what’s wrong with them. The biggest problem with this methodology is the lack of hard data required to make a true assessment of symptoms.  Now, there’s a company that aims to bring the power of determining what’s wrong with people in the palms of their hands.

Scanadu is developing three devices, one of which, the Scout, is being crowd-funded on Indiegogo, would help people monitor their vital signs which includes their temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygenation, ECG reading, blood pressure and even a person’s stress level.

Scout is a device that you place on your forehead to get your vital signs.  It is packed with sensors to enable anyone with the device to conduct physical exams in a snap.  Via a smartphone app, Scout’s readings will be displayed and stored and it will help you easily track your vital signs and quickly identify if there are any abnormalities that you should be concerned about.

The great thing about Scout is that it can also scan and track other people, it’s not made to be use by only one person. So this device would come in handy for families.  Scout has exceeded its funding goal on Indiegogo with 23 more days to go.  If you want to be one of the first to get your hands on this nifty little device, go to Indiegogo and pledge your support.

Home test kits

Scanadu is also working on Scanaflo, a urine test kit that would allow people to monitor their health at home. No more going to the hospital just to have your urine checked, you can simply do it at home.  Unfortunately, this project is still in the works, but could become available on the market soon.  I’m guessing a third product from Scandu would perform blood analysis for monitoring blood sugar, checking for infection, or general blood work.

Scanadu CEO Walter De Brouwer believes that the first batch of Scout devices will start shipping in 2014, and the the recipients will be a part of its trial in the hopes of being approved by the FDA. The device would cost $199 but for the early adopters, the price is slashed by $50.

Talk to Esquire

Being smart about your body isn’t all about sensors and wireless chips.  A smart body’s got to look good, too!

A new app from Esquire magazine delivers experts right to your phone.  Using your iPhone or iPad, you can talk to three experts: namely fashion director Nick Sullivan, drinks writer David Wondrich, and grooming columnist Rodney Cutler.  Everything is pre-recorded, the videos aren’t live but just like you see in the movies, there are words that would trigger a specific response making it feel like you’re having a real conversation with the experts.

Talk to Esquire is free and can be downloaded on iTunes or the App Store.  It was the product of Esquire and Volio’s collaboration.  Volio is a startup company that specializes in speech recognition and natural language thus the app delivers a feel of having a normal conversation with your friend.  The videos used in the app are called participatory videos as it needs the input of the app user to deliver specific answers.

photo credit: juhansonin via photopin cc

Make sure you check out our collection of the Smart Body on Springpad!