Amazon has created the world’s first smart wristband that can monitor moods based on the wearer’s voice.
The Halo fitness tracker reads emotions and keep tabs on a person’s well being.
As well as measuring body fat, steps and calories its microphone listens to the user’s speech.
It is said to pick up on the pitch, intensity, rhythm, and tempo of the voice and be able to detect feelings from hopeful, hesitant, bored and happy to worried, apologetic, confused and affectionate.
Amazon said: “The Tone feature uses machine learning to analyse energy and positivity in a voice so they can better understand how they may sound to others, helping improve their communication.
“For example, Tone results may reveal that a difficult work call leads to less positivity in communication with a customer’s family, an indication of the impact of stress.”
Amazon claims the Halo also captures a 3D scan of the body via the user’s smartphone to work out body fat with results “as accurate as methods a doctor would use”.
It launches first in the US and costs £75 plus £3 a month for the Halo app. An Amazon UK rollout is expected in time for Christmas.
Dr Maulik Majmudar, principal medical officer for Halo, said: “It combines the latest medical science, highly accurate data and cutting-edge artificial intelligence to offer a more comprehensive approach to improving your health.”
Amazon revealed the microphone can be switched off. It has a sensor instead of a watch face.
Tech website The Verge said: “The lack of a screen is the first indicator that Amazon is trying to carve out a niche that’s focused a little less on sports and exercise and a little more on lifestyle changes.”
