Whether you’re out with friends or out to dinner, it’s easy to lose track of the number of drinks you have. Of course counting drinks is far from a precise way to measure blood alcohol content (BAC) since alcohol impacts everyone differently.While breathalyzers can be used to measure BAC more precisely, they’re far from discrete. The makers of PROOF have created a discrete alcohol tracking wearable designed to precisely measure the wearers BAC.
The device is designed to read alcohol molecules that naturally pass through the user’s skin when they drink in order to determine BAC levels; estimated time to sobriety; and effects of diet, activity, and sleep as they relate to the user’s ability to handle alcoholic drinks.
Unlike traditional breathalyzers which require users to wait 30 minutes after their last drink before being used, the patent pending technology within PROOF converts alcohol molecules into electric signals through enzymatic electrochemistry to measure the wearers BAC. Those results are then sent in real-time via Bluetooth to the companion mobile applications.
PROOF is designed to look like an activity tracker with a sleek and soft silicone band and classic watch strap. It’s designed to be worn whether the user is out for dinner or having drinks with friends.
The device uses a disposable cartridge system, with each cartridge lasting 12 hours so users can track their BAC through their entire night out and the next morning. The cartridges are loaded to the underside of the wristband and locks magnetically.
Using the companion mobile app, wearers are able to monitor their BAC in the form of a chart. The app also indicates the estimated time until the wearer is sober. Users also can set designated thresholds which trigger alerts when reached.
The PROOF alcohol tracking wristband is 15mm wide and weighs 20g. Each cartridge is 15mm x 14mm x 4.3mm and each cartridge weighs 0.7 g. It’s made of soft silicone, comes with an anodized aluminum cover, and has a built-in rechargeable 12 mAh lithium-ion battery that lasts up to four days per charge. The device charges with any 5V USB port.
Although the alcohol tracking device is just now headed to market, the device has been in development for awhile. So far the makers behind PROOF have put in two years of research and development with approximately 1,000 test studies. The sensor is based on the electrochemistry industry where the continuous measurement of molecules is critical.
So far the makers of PROOF have raised over $53,000 via crowdfunding with an estimated shipping date of December 2017. Early bird pricing for the device starts at $59 and includes a Proof wristband, a pack of five cartridges, USB charger, user guide, and a one-year warranty.
