Most “wearables” track your physicals: movement, heartbeat, etc. Any wearables that track mental health had previously been worn on the head to let people know right away that you are not to be trifled with. Like a cyber Rambo. Now, we’ve got a more discreet mental wellness wearable that’s worn on the wrist.
The company behind this product (called Vinaya) previously came up with jewelry like necklaces, rings, and bracelets that could display notifications from your smartphone called the Altrius. Supposedly, that line of wearables was developed to minimize distractions, which seems to be the complete opposite of what actually happens – i.e. a woman constantly looking at her jewelry (moreso than now).
Vinaya claims the Zenta is “the first wearable to not only monitor your physical wellbeing, but also incorporate the added dimension of mental wellbeing.” Because constantly tracking yourself like the stock market won’t lead to a complete meltdown.
Vinaya’s Founder and CEO, Kate Unsworth, told TechCrunch:
“The concept of using technology to monitor things like stress and happiness isn’t new, however it’s only very recently become feasible in an ‘out-of-Lab’, real life capacity. We now have the sensor technology and the power capabilities required to actually begin to track this stuff day-to-day, using a device that’s actually wearable.”
Vinaya says they’re using machine-learning algorithms to build an Artificial Intelligence layer which can schedule a break in between meetings when the user’s stress levels are en fuego.
The company’s already far exceed their crowdfunding goal on Indiegogo. Looks like if you want to order one the soonest you can expect to have one is in March or April 2017. Keep your flip-outs, freak-outs, and breakdowns in check ’til then, spaz.
Via TechCrunch