Facebook ‘planning smartwatch which wearers can send messages and monitor their health and fitness’

Facebook is reportedly developing an Android-based smartwatch that focuses on messaging and health features. According to The Information, the social media giant is ‘far along’ with the development and could release the device next year – with a second–generation as soon as 2023. The report claims the smartwatch will let users send and receive messages, … Read more

Face mask wearers are 13 times more likely to stick to social distancing or wash their hands

Research on how well various types of masks and face coverings varies but, recently, and in light of the pandemic of COVID-19, experts are increasingly leaning toward the notion that something is better than nothing.  A University of Oxford study published on March 30 concluded that surgical masks are just as effective at preventing respiratory … Read more

Fitbit wearers asked to join a study to see if smartwatches can detect signs of coronavirus

Fitbit wearers are being asked to join a study to see if smartwatches can detect the coronavirus. King’s College London believe changes in heart rate, activity and sleeping patterns might be able to raise red flags in possible coronavirus cases. Using a free app called Mass Science they will track thousands of peoples’ vital signs … Read more

Facebook’s ‘thinnest’ VR headset lets wearers see holograms

Facebook has revealed the ‘world’s thinnest’ virtual reality (VR) headset that looks like a pair of sunglasses and has holographic lenses for a more ‘vivid’ viewing experience.  The social network, which has its own department dedicated to VR technologies, says the concept lenses are less than 0.3 inches (9mm) thick.   The technology, which has been … Read more

Transparent N-95-like mask allows wearers to unlock their smartphone without removing the gear

Face masks may help limit the spread of the coronavirus, but the protective gear has caused a problem for the public – unlocking smartphones.  Now, the Chinese firm Huami has solved the issue with a transparent plastic N95-like mask. Called Aeri, the device is designed with anti-fog material, revealing enough of the face to be … Read more

Coronavirus: Data suggests face masks DO protect wearers

Healthy Britons have been repeatedly told during the coronavirus crisis ‘there is no evidence’ wearing face masks will protect them from infection. But data from counties which enforced mandatory mask-wearing suggests they have helped curb the spread of the virus and keep death rates low.  Austria seemingly managed to reverse its crisis by making masks … Read more