Building on the recent launch of the “world’s first Healthable hearing technology,” Livio AI, Starkey Hearing Technologies, Eden Prairie, Minn, announced the “first-ever” Fall Detection and Alert capability within a hearing aid, as well as Heart Rate Measurement and built-in Virtual Assistant, on the eve of the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11.
“This is such an exciting time to be a part of the hearing industry. We continue to transform the hearing aids with embedded sensors and artificial intelligence—whether it be through integrating Fall Alert, Heart Rate Measurement, Translation, or a built-in Virtual Assistant,” Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering of Starkey Hearing Technologies, Achin Bhowmik, said.
“And we are just getting started—with advanced environmental detection, geotagged settings, a natural user interface, and now a rechargeable option, Livio AI is the ultimate in sound quality, in usability, and a multifunctional, must-have device.”
Starkey Hearing Technologies is now introducing features that are powered by artificial intelligence. At the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, within the Engadget booth (GL12), in the Central Corridor of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Starkey Hearing Technologies will showcase the multiple existing and new groundbreaking features and benefits built into Livio AI:
? Fall Detection and Alerts – NEW
? Heart Rate Measurement – NEW
? Thrive Virtual Assistant, built on Google Assistant – NEW
? Rechargeable option – NEW
? Voice-to-text Transcription – NEW
? Self-Check for hearing performance – NEW
? Translation in 27 languages
? Natural user interface with tap control
? Amazon Alexa connectivity
Fall Alert, a new feature of Livio AI, can detect falls and send alert messages to selected contacts. Starkey Hearing Technologies incorporated what is said to be “significant” new inventions to help avoid false-positives and flag only true falls.
Falling is a major health issue and a growing concern. According to the National Alliance for Caregivers and AARP, more than 65 million people (29% of the US population) currently provide care for a disabled, chronically ill or aged friend or family member. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.
“I have always dreamed about making a monumental positive impact on society,” said Bill Austin, Founder and CEO of Starkey Hearing Technologies. “Livio AI and its fall-alert feature will not only provide peace of mind to caregivers but could potentially saves lives all over the world.”
Livio AI’s embedded sensors and artificial intelligence also paved the way for in-ear receivers that help provide accurate heart-rate measurement and heart-rate recovery information. This feature helps empower people to engage proactively in their own fitness efforts and improve their overall health.
To further add to the usability and multi-function of Livio AI, Starkey Hearing Technologies is introducing the Thrive Virtual Assistant, which is integrated with the Google Assistant for hands-free help whenever and wherever the wearer needs it. This application-based assistant can answer questions such as,“What’s today’s weather forecast?” It also allows the user to conveniently troubleshoot hearing-aid and accessory issues.
Livio AI includes a new mobile app—Thrive Hearing Control; and four new wireless accessories: Starkey Hearing Technologies TV, the Remote, Mini Remote Microphone and the Remote Microphone +. With the Remote Microphone +, Livio AI is also reportedly the “first hearing aid” to feature Amazon Alexa connectivity.
“Livio AI is the best sounding hearing aid we have ever created, and our product roadmap will bring even more innovations and quality-of-life improvements,”said Starkey Hearing Technologies President, Brandon Sawalich. “We want our customers to feel connected to all the people and activities they love. Fall detection, language translation, body and cognitive wellness tracking, and heart measurement allow us to enable that. It’s about helping people hear the best they can possibly hear and using state-of-the-art technology and great design to lessen the stigma of hearing aids, ultimately allowing people to hear better, and live better.”
Livio AI is currently available in the US and Canada, with global availability to more than 20 countries in early 2019. For more information about Livio AI hearing aids, the Thrive mobile app, and new Starkey Hearing Technologies accessories, please visit: www.starkey.com
Source: Starkey
I’m pretty excited to add these features for my patients who are currently wearing the AI. The fall detection was already interesting, but the addition of the heart rate monitor and personal assistant is really cool.