Wearable Tech

What is a “Wearable”?

Wearable are devices that are worn on the body and collect or display data. They include smartwatches, activity trackers (e.g. FitBit). EEG monitors, or other small measuring devices. Wearables may help with tracking mental health. Here are some examples of wearables.

Muse

Muse is a headband designed to sense the electrical rhythms of the brain. It is combined with a smartphone app to give real-time information about achieving a calm state. Learn more about Muse.

Emotion tracking

Microsoft is studying devices that track emotions. Their VIBE unit is conducting research with Mary Czerwinski, Ashish Kapoor, Asta Roseway, Paul Johns, and Scott Saponas.

MyBivy

MyBivy is a smartwatch app created for military veterans with PTSD who have night terrors and other sleep difficulties. It collects data regarding various body rhythms during sleep, and allows for optional communication of these data to VA doctors. More information on MyBivy and how to get it

pplkpr

pplkpr is designed to advise the user on which relationships with other people are the most positive. It is a smartphone app combined with a wristband, that uses GPS and heart rate variability, plus data input by the user, to track trends and which social relationships appear to have the most positive effect. More information on the company site.

Spire

Spire is a small wearable that measures respiration and warns the user when stress levels are going up. Learn more about Spire on the company site.

Thync

Thync is a small wearable device for the forehead, designed to simulate nerves that signal areas in the brain for increased feelings of well-being. More information on the company site.