Sunsprite, tracks how much sun you are getting... let's you know to get out of the depressing cubical (via Harvard & Indiegogo)
Time to get out of the cube and get some sun!
In a country where it seems seasonal affective disorder (SAD) depression is on the rise and the winter season may never end, Harvard University researchers are on a quest to help people help fight depression with the first ever solar-powered personal sun-exposure tracker.
The device, developed through Cambridge, MA startup GoodLux, is about the size of a stick of gum and attaches to its user via magnetic clip. It requires no batteries, as it is solar-powered, and features 10 illuminated dots to show the user if they received enough sunlight that day.
Studies have shown sunlight, which provides Vitamin D, to have positive implications on sleeping patterns, energy, mood, eyesight, focus and stress levels. Studies have also shown a positive correlation between sunlight and decreased levels of depression. GoodLux is rolling out its wearable technology just in time to fight the winter blues.
The technology is currently available for investment on indiegogo and has surpassed its $50,000 fundraising goal by $3,000, as of the second week in March. The campaign still has three weeks to go and early buyers can get their devices for $99, versus the in-store price of $149.
SunSprite tracks both the light a person’s eyes receive and ultraviolet light. The illuminated dots on the device will show a user if they received their target amount of sunlight that day in increments of ten percent and the device is expected to be paired with an Android app in the near future – the device already pairs with an iOS mobile app to help users track their Vitamin D exposure.
GoodLux expects the technology to change over time and said the changes will be based on consumer demands. It is expected to officially enter the market at the end of the second quarter this year.
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