Spectrometers have been around a long time, but the TellSpec proposes to be a pretty fascinating implementation. Point it at your food and it runs a spectral analysis, sends details on its findings to an app on your phone. Pretty cool. If it really works.
TellSpec is a three-part system which includes: (1) a spectrometer scanner (2) an algorithm that exists in the cloud; and (3) an easy-to-understand interface on your smart phone. Just aim the scanner at the food and press the button until it beeps. You can scan directly or through plastic or glass. TellSpec analyzes the findings using the algorithm and sends a report to your phone telling you the allergens, chemicals, nutrients, calories, and ingredients in the food. TellSpec is a fast, simple, and easy-to-use way to learn what’s in your food.
Before you budget for this piece of tech, be sure to read this debunking article from drop-kicker.com, then make up your own mind. Thanks to reader sheep for the heads up.
take it with a grain of salt:
http://drop-kicker.com/2013/10/tellspec-food-analyzer/
I think the warning update should be posted ahead of the credulous initial report of something that looks very suspect to anyone with some knowledge of the technology…
It reminds me of the Airo activity monitor that claimed to be able to spectrographically tell what food you’d eaten through your skin. They weren’t going through Kickstarter or Indiegogo, but they were taking cash from people as pre-orders for something that was a pipe dream. They’ve now refunded people so at least they got a pang of conscience
http://mobihealthnews.com/27609/following-widespread-skepticism-passive-nutrition-tracker-startup-airo-refunds-early-backers/
Good point. Edited the post. Disappointing when marketing gets so far ahead of reality. Mea culpa.