Accenture and KPN develop a proof of concept using Google Glass and the Accenture Video Solution (AVS) for interactive television viewing, storage and control—proving Google Glass has potential to greatly enrich the TV user experience.

While not yet developed as a commercial product, the two companies are exploring the potential applications of wearable technologies for television viewers.

The companies demonstrated this proof of concept at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Using KPN’s Interactive TV service, built on the Accenture Video Solution software platform and enabling subscribers to watch TV on more devices, the companies showed how Google Glass could integrate with the AVS platform to offer hands-free, voice-controlled interaction-- and seamlessly share TV content between the main TV screen and Google Glass. Continue reading...

German keyboard maker Das Keyboard launches the 4th version of the typing device sharing its name-- the Das Keyboard 4, now with an anodised aluminium top panel, dedicated media controls and an hifi-style volume control knob.

It carries Cherry MX mechanical switches for improved tactile response and satisfyingly clicky key presses, as well as an extra long 2m cord and a magnetic foot-bar holding the it up at a "perfect" 4-degree angle.

Gbatteries claims the BatteryOS technology inside the BatteryBox rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack not only keeps devices running for longer also help reduce battery degradation.

According to the company the BatteryBox carries 50Whr of power-- enough to run a MacBook Air for 12 hours, a MacBook Pro for 6 hours or charge up to 8 iPhones.

As well as iDevices equipped with a MagSafe 2 port the battery also charges anything equipped with a micro USB port. It weighs250g and takes 9 hours for a 100% using a 1A power supply.

Android already powers a number of smartwatches, but now Google announces a version of OS tailored specifically for such devices-- the perhaps self-explanatory Android Wear.

As seen in a typically slick demo video, Android Wear pushes location-based data from smartphones to smartwatches together with the usual bevy of message and social network notifications. It features a Google Now-style UI users and allows natural language input via the "OK Google" prompt.

According to Google it also handles functions such as health tracking and connectivity with other devices, such as summoning a playlist from a mobile device or pushing a video to a TV, while being extremely power efficient.

According to Razer the keyboard is ripe for a redesign aimed at PC gamers-- specifically the Razer Mechanical Switch, an overhaul of the humble mechanical switch found in most keyboards.

For the curious, most keyboards on the market carry Cherry MX switches. But not the recently launched Razer BlackWidow keyboard, whose switches promise "a lighter and smoother feel" according to professional StarCraft player Jens "Snute" Aasgaard.

The Razer switches come in two flavours-- "tactile and clicky" Green (requires 50g of force to actuate) and "tactile yet silent" Orange (requires 45g of force).

The Moov promises more accurate and useful fitness tracking through a disc-shaped strap-equipped wearable sensor able to provide near-constant feedback based on how the user is actually moving.

Made by a ex-Apple engineer Nikola Hu and Microsoft Research sensor expert Meng Li, the Moov uses gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers to analyse body movements in 3D. Thus, the makers claim, the device actually acts as a "virtual coach," providing tips accoring to wearer performance.

For example it can let one know if they are risking injury by hitting the ground with their foot too hard, or whether they are doing pushups correctly.

The sensor is waterproof and can be strapped on either wrists, arms or ankles. It comes with a companion mobile device (iOS, with Android to follow post-launch) app providing further exercise data at the end of each workout.

Is there anything the smartphone accessory-app combo cannot do? The recently launched Bellabeat is a pocket-sized digital ultrasound device pregnant women can pair with an app in order to track fetal development.

The device amplifies unborn babies' heartbeat and visualises in-utero sounds to provide a visualisation of development over time. Meanwhile the companion app also allows women to track weight gain and nutrition.

An obligatory social component provides connection with a global expecting parent community.

Azoi Mobile Technologies claims customers will be able to track blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen, temperature, lung function and more "with clinical accuracy" using the Wello smartphone health tracker.

"Over the last two years, we have focused our efforts on coming up with a technologically advanced yet easy-to-use tool to help you monitor health and facilitate better lifestyle choices," Azoi CEO Hamish Patel says. "We have effectively put health monitoring equipment, typically in large form factors, into a highly convenient and accessible mobile phone case."

The Wello looks like a regular smartphone case, and connects to devices via Bluetooth LE. Once paired with a companion app, users simply need to hold the device for a short time before hidden sensors provide "key data" about one's health in infographic form.