FLOOME is A Pro-grade Breathalyser for Any Smartphone
Italian Company 2045Tech has launched Floome, a highly accurate breathalyser for your smartphone that requires no batteries.
Alcohol consumption can be fun, but like most things in life, there is such a thing as too much. When having a good time coincides with getting behind the wheel of a car, it can be easy to fool yourself into thinking you are capable of upholding road safety, when in actual fact, you might not be. In 2011 alone, almost 12,000 people lost their lives in the US due to people driving under the influence, and that number is nothing compared to global statistics. In response to such a high number of preventable deaths, an Italian company called 2045Tech is trying to launch a new product called "FLOOME," a highly accurate breathalyser, compatible with most smartphones, and requiring no batteries at all.
The technology behind the device is remarkably similar to law enforcement methods used around the world, incorporating a fuel cell based design that registers an electrical difference between the two poles in the presence of varying amounts of ethanol. The machine also utilizes a flow meter to calculate volumetric gas intake, used in the final calculation of blood alcohol content. The company reports the device has a standard deviation of under 10-percent compared to professional breathalysers, meaning that this device is highly accurate. Coupled with the fact that no battery is required to operate the device itself, it is also very reliable (assuming you charged your smartphone's battery).
The device comes with a specific app, which has multiple features including a predicted time that your BAC (blood alcohol content) will fall to legal driving levels again, based on your weight, height and gender. It can also remind you to do retests regularly, and calculate your recovery time based on information given. The app is currently available for all iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices, but support or other platforms has yet to come.
The FLOOME plugs into the headphone socket of your phone, and is easy to clean thanks to a removable and washable mouth piece. Retail prices are estimated to be around $80, and it will be available in five colors (black, white, "midnight blue," purple, and "gemstone") and also has a special jewel cased option from Swarovski Elements (who doesn't like shiny things?). More information on case be found of the company's Indiegogo pagehere. You can also hit up its Flickr page for some cool pictures. What do you guys think of this? There are already some pocket breathalysers out there, but all seem to have rather steep prices. Do you think this product fits a niche in the market, or will people buy it and forget about it?
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Tom's Hardware is the leading destination for hardcore computer enthusiasts. We cover everything from processors to 3D printers, single-board computers, SSDs and high-end gaming rigs, empowering readers to make the most of the tech they love, keep up on the latest developments and buy the right gear. Our staff has more than 100 years of combined experience covering news, solving tech problems and reviewing components and systems.
-
warezme I need one of those, I don't drink much so I never know how much is just a little to much.Reply -
unksol Reply
Theres no such things as "a little to much". If you even have to ask the question (or wish for a breathalyzer) don't drive. Nevermore that your BAC keeps rising after you stop drinking...10887980 said:I need one of those, I don't drink much so I never know how much is just a little to much.
The cop who pulls you over isn't going to care what your toy said when you left, nor is the judge and jury at your manslaughter trial. Whether you're below the limit doesn't matter then. And I can guarantee this company isn't going to pay the funeral costs when it's wrong.
Don't drink and drive. Problem solved. It's even free. If you're dumb enough to do that a breathalyzer isn't going to help you -
poseidon2112 "Breathalyzer, btw. "Reply
- Only in America. The rest of the English-speaking world (with the exception of many Canadians who use the incorrect Americanisations) uses the the "s" in many words, such as analyse, realise etc. -
srlthaballa Now imagine having this connect to your car via bluetooth. If you aren't within legal limits for driving, the car won't start. People might say, oh well I can just have somebody else take it for me. NOPE. Have face recognition software similar to the one built into android, along with samsungs eye detection software and you'd be set. What if your friend wants to drive? Have a precertified list of people you trust to drive your car that can access your car via the same steps above. Fail proof! if you try to take too many tests in a certain time period, it automatically calls a taxi and has you sent home. LOL!Reply -
stonedatheist This is very cool. I was planning on getting a breathalyzer anyway so I decided to get one pending they reach their goal. I will use it both for responsible driving and competitions to see who can get the most drunk :)Reply -
Grandmastersexsay "In 2011 alone, almost 12,000 people lost their lives in the US due to people driving under the influence, and that number is nothing compared to global statistics."Reply
That is not even close to true.
12,000 people did not lose their lives DUE to people driving under the influence.
12,000 people lost their lives due to alcohol related accidents.
There is a BIG difference.
In the U.S. an alcohol related accident includes any accident where any of the following was recorded:
1. The driver of any vehicle involved in the accident had any detectable amount of alcohol in his system.(Not Just intoxicated)
2. Any passenger of any vehicle involved in the accident had any detectable amount of alcohol in his system.(Not Just intoxicated)
3. Any pedestrian injured in the accident has any detectable amount of alcohol in his system.(Not Just intoxicated)
4. Any open or sealed container of alcohol was found in any vehicle involved in the accident.
That right there covers a huge chunk of people on the road who are driving at night. Guess when most accidents occur? That's right at night.
There is no meaningful data on how many accidents are actually caused by drunk drivers, and this is by design. If the public knew how few people are actually killed because of people driving drunk, they wouldn't support the draconian laws that stifle our freedom and fill the pockets of greedy politicians and crooked police forces.
You are more likely to be killed by a deer than a drunk driver in the United States.