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Ingenious digital wristband records what you’re watching when you fall asleep on the couch

Published Dec 18th, 2014 10:00PM EST
Best 3D Printing Products Kipstr

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We’ve all wanted to watch a show or movie late at night and missed the end of it because we were just so exhausted and fell asleep… but it doesn’t have to be that way for long. 3ders informs us that there’s a new 3D printed digital wristband that’s able to tell when you’ve fallen asleep and then instruct your DVR to start recording whatever you’re watching.

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The wristband, known as the KipstR, was developed by two teenagers in the United Kingdom who won a commission from Virgin Media to develop their invention. According to 3ders, “the current prototype KipstR features a pulse-oximeter, a non-invasive device capable of measuring when someone dozes off.” The device has been designed to work with Virgin Media’s own TiVO service and apparently some Virgin Media customers will be trying out the device as part of a trial program this holiday season.

What makes this technology particularly intriguing is that it could conceivably be incorporated into wearable computers such as the Apple Watch in the future. So while it’s hard to imagine many people buying a wristband just for this one particular purpose, it’s not hard to imagine Apple Watch and Android Wear devices using this technology to deliver similar functionality.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.