Wearables are tipped to be the hot new technology of 2015, and companies have debuted some useful examples at this week’s 2015 International CES being held in Las Vegas.
Siemens has launched smart hearing aids that can be discreetly controlled via both iPhone and Android devices, with latest models clinically proven to outperform people with normal hearing in background noise.
When two hearing aids are worn (the most common case), Siemens’ new smart hearing aids utilise intelligent, two-way wireless communication to zero in on desired speech with pinpoint accuracy. This enables better-than-normal hearing in crowded situations like noisy restaurants and cocktail parties where background chatter has historically been a challenge.
“These are not your average hearing aids but rather highly-intelligent wearable devices,” says Scott Davis, CEO of Siemens Hearing Instruments. “They automatically detect everyday listening environments such as a noisy room, wind or while driving a car, and instinctively know what to do.”
When paired with Siemens’ new easyTek and easyTek App, a wearer can control the direction of the hearing aids’ microphones – front, left, right, or behind – to simultaneously enhance speech and suppress background noise. The span of the microphones’ focus can also be controlled via the app, allowing wearers to select a wide range of focus or a very narrow beam.
“Some hearing aid wearers also want the flexibility that comes with having control over their listening experience,” says Davis. “We’ve all heard of and can appreciate the benefits of on-demand TV. With these hearing aids, you can turn your iPhone or Android device into a hearing aid control centre. We call it on-demand hearing.”
While Siemens’ new smart hearing aids pair with virtually any iOS or Android mobile device for a custom-tailored listening experience, a smartphone is not required to make use of the new technology.
The hearing aids continuously scan the acoustic environment and activate the most optimal settings for that particular listening situation. For example, if you’re at a noisy family gathering, the smart hearing aids hone in on speech coming from the front while softening speech and noise from other directions. Later, if you’re out walking the dog, they automatically adjust so you can enjoy the sounds of nature.
Meanwhile, Epson has introduced the M-Tracer MT500GII Golf Swing Analyser, designed to enable golfers of any skill level to improve their game through highly accurate and detailed swing data collection and analysis.
The M-Tracer MT500GII is a club-mounted golf swing analyser designed to give golfers unprecedented insights into every element of their swing. Part of the new “Epson Active” product category, the M-Tracer is the latest in a line of sports and fitness devices from the company to help athletes of any age or capability improve their performance through precise data and easy-to-interpret feedback.
“With its high-resolution sensors, the M-Tracer gives golfers a complete swing breakdown, providing specific, actionable information at an incredible level of detail,” says Randy Bergstedt, manager of Epson Active. “The introduction of the M-Tracer demonstrates Epson’s commitment to lead the sports wearables market with innovative, high-performance devices.”
