Google's new tech can turn any existing ANC earbuds into heart rate monitors

Google is set to revolutionize the world of wearable technology with its pioneering research into audio plethysmography (APG).

This innovative technology promises to equip active noise canceling (ANC) headphones and earbuds with heart rate monitoring capabilities through a straightforward software update. In this breakthrough, Google harnesses the inner ear's unique properties for health sensing, ushering in a new era of convenience and accuracy in tracking vital signs.

Highlights:

Ear Canal as Ideal Health Sensor: Google has identified the ear canal as an optimal location for health sensing due to the intricate network of vessels within. This revelation paves the way for accurate heart rate monitoring.

Ultrasound-Based Heart Rate Measurement: Google's technology relies on a low-intensity ultrasound signal sent through ANC headphone speakers. It analyzes echoes, capturing minute ear canal skin movements and heartbeat vibrations to derive heart rate readings and heart rate variability.

Robust and Accurate Results: Google's APG technology delivers consistently precise heart rate measurements, unaffected by factors like skin tone, ear canal size, and suboptimal seal conditions.

In a recent blog post, Google unveiled its groundbreaking work in audio plethysmography (APG), introducing a method to infuse heart rate monitoring capabilities into ANC headphones and earbuds through a software upgrade. Google's research emphasizes the ear canal's unique attributes for health sensing, where the deep ear artery weaves a complex network of smaller vessels throughout the auditory canal.

APG operates by transmitting a low-intensity ultrasound signal through the speakers of ANC headphones. Echoes generated are captured through onboard microphones, with the vibrations of the ear canal skin and heartbeat modulating these echoes to yield heart rate and heart rate variability readings.

The company has developed a model that processes this feedback, even in scenarios with "bad earbud seals." Google encountered challenges related to body motion but mitigated them through a multi-tone approach. This calibration tool identifies the most suitable frequency for accurate heart rate measurement.

 

 

Google conducted two studies involving 153 participants, highlighting APG's consistently accurate heart rate (3.21% median error) and heart rate variability (2.70% median error) measurements. Unlike conventional heart rate sensors, APG remains unaltered by skin tones and ear canal size, making it a versatile, cost-effective, and reliable solution for health sensing. This technology promises to transform TWS ANC headphones into intelligent sensing devices with a simple software update, advancing biomedical and mobile research while offering low-cost health sensing possibilities.

Amazon made $1 billion with algorithms used to raise prices, says FTC

 

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alleged that Amazon utilized secret algorithms, resulting in over $1 billion in increased prices for products on its platform. Details from the FTC's lawsuit, filed in September, have been unveiled, shedding light on Amazon's purported pricing strategies.

• Algorithmic Price Manipulation: The FTC claims that Amazon employed a clandestine algorithm, internally known as 'Project Nessie,' to forecast which products would prompt price hikes from other online retailers. This algorithm allegedly led to over $1 billion in higher prices.
• Message Deletion Controversy: The FTC also alleges that Amazon executives intentionally deleted messages on the messaging app Signal, erasing over two years of communications despite the FTC's request not to do so.

The FTC's lawsuit, joined by 17 states, accuses Amazon of leveraging its dominant market position to inflate prices both on and off its platform, overcharge sellers, and stifle competition, potentially violating federal and state antitrust laws.

Amazon responded, contending that the lawsuit would ultimately harm consumers and businesses. The company began testing other online stores' pricing algorithms in the early 2010s, seeking to ensure they mirrored Amazon's pricing. As a result, Amazon discovered it could raise prices while minimizing the risk of shoppers finding lower prices elsewhere, particularly by increasing prices on products sold by competitors matching Amazon's prices, giving rise to 'Project Nessie.'

Amazon's spokesperson, Tim Doyle, dismissed the FTC's claims as "baseless and irresponsible." Amazon voluntarily disclosed Signal conversations to the FTC and allowed agency staff to inspect them, even when unrelated to the investigation, Doyle stated.

Delhi Metro has introduced smart lockers at 50 of its stations

 Delhi Metro has introduced smart lockers at 50 of its stations, allowing commuters to safely store their belongings for a few hours.

This service can be accessed via a new mobile app called 'Momentum 2.0,' launched by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The app offers various features beyond locker rentals, including online purchasing from listed e-commerce companies through 'virtual stores,' sending couriers via smart lockers (digi-lockers), and buying QR code-based tickets. DMRC plans to expand these facilities to the majority of its stations by June 2024.

Commuters using 'Momentum 2.0' can rent a 'smart box' (digi-locker) at 50 stations on Lines 1-7 and the Airport Line. The app provides flexibility in rental durations, and users are charged penalties for exceeding the specified time limits.

The digital lockers aim to enhance the commuter experience, offering a convenient and secure place to store belongings during travels. DMRC's collaboration with AutoPe Payment Solutions enables these services, providing commuters with a range of options beyond traditional travel. The digital lockers are app-powered and eliminate the need for physical locks or keys, making the process seamless.

Additionally, the app offers the convenience of making online purchases from virtual stores, courier services, buying QR code-based metro tickets, and even paying utility bills. It also provides information about station-related details, facilities, transportation options, food outlets, ATMs, and more.

Delhi Metro's initiative seeks to make the commuting experience more efficient and user-friendly, incorporating digital solutions for various services.