Institute For The Future

Japan leads the way in mobile health technology

I usually find interesting stories in sources more obscure than AP Wire. But sometimes, that's as good a place as any. I just learned about the prototype Wellness mobile phone unveiled this week by Japan's NTT DoCoMo at a Tokyo trade show. Dubbed a "portable personal trainer," the phone has a built-in motion sensor that can tell whether you're walking, running, climbing stairs, or resting, and calculates accordingly the calories you've burned to tally daily totals. Built into the top of the phone is a sensor that takes your pulse from your fingertip. The prototype also has a breathalyzer that determines whether you have bad breath or not. And the device will ask you questions, analyze your answers to determine your stress level, and inspire you with a pep talk. According to the AP story, the phone will text you with platitudes like, "Don't worry, tomorrow's a fresh new day," and "Keep your chin up!"

 

DoCoMo has not set a release date or price for the Wellness phone. Supposedly, it is still testing other potential features, including a function to keep track of meals and calculate calorie intake, as well as a networking capacity to let users share data.