CES 2012: Valencell Exhibits Ear Bud Sensor Technology for Biometric Measurements

A runner demonstrates Valencell's V-LINC ear-bud sensor technology. The medallion with connected ear buds wirelessly streams biometric data to a mobile device, such as an iPhone.

The Consumer Electronics Show is a hotbed of new and upcoming tech products, but there are also plenty of companies showcasing new technologies that may one day end up in a product at a future CES. One such company is Valencell, which is demonstrating its V-LINC health and fitness ear-bud sensor tech. Due to the nature of the ear, V-LINC’s technology “continuously measures more real-time biometric data, with higher accuracy, in virtually any environment, than any other health and fitness sensor technology on the market,” Valencell said.

“Studies show that 70 percent of regular exercisers wear audio headsets while exercising, and Valencell aspires to connect with that audience to make health and fitness more accessible through our earbud sensor technology,” said Valencell CEO and co-founder Steven LeBoeuf. “Companies will discover how they can turn audio headsets into health and fitness devices on multiple mobile platforms by integrating V-LINC.”

At CES, Valencell is demoing how the technology would work with various mobile platforms, including iOS and Android. Demonstrators wear an ear bud prototype that measures biometric data such as continuous heart rate; calories burned; cardiovascular fitness; metabolic rate; and distance and speed while using a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other activities. The data is then streamed to one of the platforms.

Valencell says V-LINC is compatible with regular headset manufacturing processes, so a headphone maker can easily license and implement the technology into its product.

Valencell Official Website

And the Beat Goes On With Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring

The convergence of mobile devices and those for fitness and health looks to be a major focus at the upcoming CTIA Enterprise and Applications trade show to take place in San Diego next month. Valencell, a developer of mobile health and fitness technology, announced it will unveil new prototypes with extended capabilities that integrate next generation heart rate monitoring technology directly into music earbuds and headsets that millions of people already wear, helping consumers achieve their fitness goals while exercising or just going about everyday activities.

Valencell will showcase live demos on multiple platforms including Android and a new headset design for the iPhone, as presenters will be wearing units and showing mobile applications to demonstrate how this new licensable technology measures body metrics such as continuous heart rate, calories burned, distance and speed during use on a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other exercise scenarios.

“The mobile health industry is quickly emerging, creating a need to bridge the gap between consumer devices, fitness and health,” said Steven LeBoeuf, CEO and co-founder of Valencell. “We’re excited to showcase ways in which companies can easily integrate our technology into their products to connect consumers with their personalized health and fitness goals.”

The Valencell booth will be located in the Wireless Health Pavilion at CTIA Enterprise and Applications, which will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, October 11-13, 2011 in California.

Valencell Official Website
CTIA Enterprise and Applications Official Website