Health IT

(Update) Misfit launches earphones that support sleep tracking

Misfit moved into a new produt categoy at CES-- wireless earphones. Meanwhile, Valencell has filed suit against Apple and Fitbit over claims they stole its biometric eaephone IP.

misfit specter 3This post has been updated from an earlier version with comments from a Fitbit spokesman.

Launching a set of connected earphones at CES? Get in line. Interest in earphone tech has been building and they’ve continued to be a hot item at this year’s show.

Misfit’s Specter wireless in-ear headphones are a first for the company, according to a company statement. In addition to music, they are being used to help track sleep habits of its users through an embedded accelerometer. Misfit collaborated with acoustic technology company 1MORE on the earphones. The earphones can be used with Misfit’s Link app to help users sync their data.

Jaybird launched a set of sweatproof ear buds —a variation of the Jaybird Freedom earphones launched last year.

Avvy claims to have launched the first wireless headphones connected to the Internet of Things., although they don’t use Bluetooth — go figure.

Panasonic developed headphones that use bone conduction to improve sound transmission.

But in a move that reflects a very different kind of earphone development, Valencell filed a lawsuit against Apple and Fitbit in a Raleigh, North Carolina court where its company is based. MobiHealthNews, referencing the suit, said
Valencell alleges that Apple stole the technology which powers the heart rate sensor in the Apple Watch. It claims Apple acted as though it wanted to collaborate with the company to license its earphone-based biometrics PerformTek platform, but it never reached an agreement. Its lawsuit against Fitbit claims the company stole four of its patents and it is seeking damages.

Valencell licenses its technology to a handful of companies such as Sony, Atlas Wearables and LG.

In a statement on its website, Valencell President Steve LeBoeuf said it
had a 133 percent increase in licensees last year over 2014:

“Rather than manufacture its own wearables, Valencell has repeatedly chosen to partner with existing consumer electronics companies and manufacturers while continuing to focus our R&D on creating the future in biometric wearables,” said Dr. Steven LeBoeuf

Update In response to the lawsuit, a Fitbit spokesman said “it would vigorously defend itself against these allegations,” in an emailed statement:

“As the pioneer and leader in the connected health and fitness market, Fitbit has independently developed and delivered innovative product offerings to empower its customers to lead healthier, more active lives. Since its inception, Fitbit has more than 200 issued patents and patent applications in this area.”

Shares0
Shares0