Spire (activity tracker)
| Manufacturer | Spire Inc. |
|---|---|
| Website | https://spire.io/ |
Spire is a wearable activity tracker worn on the waistband or bra strap designed to analyze breath rates to determine levels of tension, calm, or focus.[1]
Description
Spire launched preorders on June 17, 2014.[2] It is currently compatible with Apple iOS devices running iOS 7.1 or higher. The device resembles a grey stone with a large clip on the side, and charges wirelessly with an included charging pad.[3]
Reception
Spire has been discussed in articles by Popular Science, TechCrunch, and USA today. “Spire’s insights... can actually improve your life”—TechCrunch [4][5][6]
Reviews are generally positive, observing the company’s approach to happiness as opposed to health, as well as the real-time updates and notifications. USA Today and TechCrunch point out a negative to the device being that it can be worn only on the waistband or bra strap.[5][6]
Underlying science
The brain is connected to the lungs by the vagus nerve. Through this, stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, increasing respiratory rate, which in turn affects the rest of the body. Through monitoring breath rates, Spire claims to improve the user’s mental and physical health.[1] Cofounder Neema Moraveji (PhD) designed the device from his work in respiratory psychophysiology at Stanford University’s Calming Technology Lab.[7][8]
Specifications
- Stone: 32 mm x 44 mm x 14 mm [3]
- Clasp: 52 mm x 12.5 mm [3]
- Charger: 89 mm x 89 mm [3]
- Battery Life: 7 days [3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Activity tracking for healthy body and mind.". Spire.io. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Spire’s Launch: The First 48hrs". Spire Blog. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Activity tracking for healthy body and mind.". Spire.io. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "A Pocket Fitness Tracker That Studies Your Breathing". Popular Science. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Meet “Spire”, The Wearable Breath Tracker That Calms You Down". TechCrunch. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "What's hot: Step up to the latest fitness trackers". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Neema Moraveji: Projects". Moraveji.org. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Calming Technology". Calmingtechnology.org. Retrieved 7 October 2014.