CES 2019: Doppel beats to your heart’s rhythm to help you chill
Doppel is showcasing a wristband at CES 2019, it claims can naturally make you feel more alert or relaxed. The London-based startup raised over $100,000 back in 2015 to develop the product. Following a number of delays, the wristband is finally available to purchase.
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Most wearables count your steps, distance and monitor your sleep. Doppel is quite different. It has been designed to work with your body’s natural response to rhythm to change how you feel on demand.
Worn on the inside of your wrist, the gizmo creates a rhythmic pulse that you feel as a heartbeat like vibration. Users do not simply perceive this rhythm, but they entrain to it – a faster rhythm makes you feel more alert, a slower one calms you down. The effect is similar to listening to upbeat or slower music.
For example, when Doppel beats at your resting heart rate your mood will shift to that of being more calm. Upping the beat gets you going. A gentle slow beat is best to wind you down for bed. An intense fast beat will boost your cadence on a fast run.
There are no screens or buttons. Stroking the ridge back and forth three times slows the beat. Double tapping over the motor makes the fast beat kick in. Sweeping around the rim lets you control how intense the sensation is, just like the volume knob on your old stereo.
There is some scientific proof behind the wearable as well. The Royal Holloway University of London ran independent tests exploring Doppel’s effect on focus. The study showed the little wearable doubled a user’s focus and alertness, and significantly reduced stress.
The company says it found that people like to use Doppel as-and-when they need it and turning it off between times. If used continuously, the battery will keep going for around 5 hours at maximum intensity. Lower intensity will keep it going longer.
“Stress is now an epidemic, with one in five of us suffering. Our lives and jobs are high pressure, and mental performance is essential.” said doppel’s CEO Dr Fotini Markopoulou.
“Unlike solutions like yoga or meditation, doppel helps you feel calmer within moments, and it can be used anytime and anywhere. doppel is a unique solution, it’s easy to use, natural and effective.”
The team delivered to their Kickstarter backers and pre-order customers in 2018. Doppel is now available to all on the company’s website for $219. It comes with a 60-day return policy that you can use if you’re not entirely happy with the product.
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