Tamagotchi Grows Up
Tamagotchi Grows Up

Tamagotchi Grows Up

There are a fair few futurists out there in the technology world. Often, futurists focus on platforms, form factors or the technology itself with forecasts often post-dated, a good example is the Horizon Report. Perhaps I should used forecast tag more regularly. It would not take much to add  “Now” “+12  (months)” and “+(24months)” to posts.

A second categorisation was highlighted by Jeff Utecht, summarising Kevin Kelly (co-founder of Wired magazine) keynote at a Web 2.0 event in San Francisco. Rather than a timeframe focused he on 6 verbs (actions). Screening, Interacting, Sharing, Flowing, Accessing and Generating, a foreword thinking perspective from someone embedded in technology.

With this in mind, how would you categorise Basis? A competitor to Fitbit.

mybasis

Now? Well, the device is available for pre-order ($199), so almost now. Screening? Possibly, but its a small screen. Interacting? No really but …?  Sharing. Most definitely, this will be a key aspect of this product. Sharing your progress with others. Dare I say competing? Flowing. 24 / 7 so most definitely – Optical Blood Flow Sensor (heart rate), 3D Accelerometer (movement, including sleep patterns), temperature and Galvanic Skin Response (sweat). Accessing? The data gets synced as soon as you come near your computer automatically via Bluetooth. Where will it gets pushed to? To start with, your PC / Ipad, presenting your diagnostics in neat graphics and pic charts, but its only data so it could be used for mass data collection. Facebook or Tweet your Basis?!? Undoubtedly. Generating? I not sure about this category. I am sure there is a patent on the device, but there are other biometric devices. Thoughts anyone?

tamaThe one feature I am most interested in, is the “Create a pet” feature. I anticipate Fido will need looking after? Tamagotchi style?

As a former PE teacher this product interests me a great deal. In particular, the way in which gamification could be applied to fitness and the ease in which data could be explored in Science, Maths and ICT. PS Whatever happened to Futurelabs Fizzies?

So I shared the MyBasis forum pages and they duly got back to me. They liked the idea and outlined they would “definitely keep it mind.” So it is likely to be a while and only if the platform matures. They also signposted Zamzee an online rewards program for teens powered by physical activity.

zamzeeYou wear the Zamzee meter and it records how much you’re moving around. Activity boosts your online status, and you can convert your activity to currency you can spend online in the Zamzee store. Interesting and perhaps more accessible but providing less data.

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