Web-connected bathroom eScale gets set to launch

jnorthrop · on July 16, 2009

The idea is close but using GSM for internet locks you into a reoccuring monthly fee to keep it working -- stop paying the fee and it becomes just another scale. If it worked over wifi with the ability to access the information on my local computer (and not just via the website) and kept the $119 price tag I'd be interested.

I understand that I'm not a typical consumer, but I am a typical early-adopter.

dpcan · on July 16, 2009

I just showed this to my wife, followed by a "this is awesome".

And her response. "Can't you just write it down or type it on the computer after you weigh yourself?"

GAH. No.

This product was made in the name of geeky coolness and therefore, writing down your weight is no longer an option.

mahmud · on July 16, 2009

Couldn't they just .. store it in the damn scale itself? say, an SD card?

wallflower · on July 16, 2009

I'm wary of uploading health data (however innocuous (weight) to the web). It's only the beginning; the web-connected eScale reminds me of these hypothetical "Huggies Smart Diapers":

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.11/images/found.jpg

Also, stumbled across this excellent archive of Wired's previous "Artifacts from the Future"

http://www.metafilter.com/73510/Artifacts-from-the-Future

rriepe · on July 16, 2009

I hope their market isn't women. Most women won't step on to a scale if there are other people in the house, much less if it's broadcasting.

That said, I'd use this if I were trying to gain again. Seems like it'd be a great tool for staying motivated.

And it looks like there is a scale that uses wi-fi: http://www.withings.com/

onreact-com · on July 16, 2009

Privacy? What else do you want to share with the world in real time? Number of calories eaten? Blood pressure? Blood alcohol?