HTC is, without a doubt, a world class leader when it comes to smartphone innovation and as HTC looks to carry unique ideas outside of this realm it is contributing resources to the development of personalized healthcare equipment. HTC is expanding the category of “connected devices” and is sponsoring the Dynamical Biomarkers Group (DBG) as it competes in the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE as one of the 10 finalists.
The Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE is a quest to create multi-purpose medical equipment similar in nature to the fictional tricorder device used in the television show Star Trek.
Not only is HTC sponsoring DBG, but is offering a wealth of experience with core mobile technologies, including image processing algorithms, sensing and HMI (Human Machine Interface). Some HTC employees are also contributing their expertise in design and engineering. Aside from the HTC resources, the Dynamical Biomarkers Group is comprised of physicians and scientists who recognize the dire need for healthcare improvement around the world. Together this team is working on a device that is lightweight, wirelessly connected, and easy to use.
In late August 2014, Team DBG made it to the final round in the competition and has until March 2015 to submit realistic products for consumer testing. These technologically advanced products will go through the ropes for five months before going to the judging panel and a winner will be announced in January 2016.
As the competition progresses @upleaks has obtained a handful of images that outline the exterior composition of the equipment HTC’s team is working on. The teams vision was shared during the initial stages of the competition and the prototype devices look very similar to what the team envisioned from the beginning.
UPDATE: When I started this article the source link was active, but due to personal reasons the site and twitter account have gone dark. Thankfully I pulled the images to re-share below.
Concept images
Certification drawings
Regardless of the outcome of the competition, HTC is establishing stake in the field of personal healthcare equipment and as we look down the long road it appears HTC is in the innovative fast lane to success. These devices could change the way people in less technical parts of the world get medical diagnosis and treatment. Is it the all-in-one tricorder used in the Star Trek series? No, but it looks to be more advanced than anything we are using in hospitals today.
Sources: HTC Research, Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, Team DBG photos via @upleaks
Yeah, but if they win, everyone will complain about the bezel.
They’ll be forgiving if it has BoomSound 6.0.
Love the comments guys!