After Apple put a fall-detection feature in its latest smartwatch, Google parent company Alphabet's life sciences research organization Verily is looking to do something similar, but with shoes.
Citing three unnamed sources familiar with the project, CNBC on Friday reported that Verily is working on a pair of smart shoes with sensors that can detect falls. Verily has already created a prototype of the smart shoe design, which it's been showing off to prospective partners in private meetings, the report notes. The company is reportedly looking for a partner to co-develop the high-tech shoes and help bring them to market.
Besides being able to detect falls, the shoes can also reportedly track the wearer's movements and weight.
"If Verily progresses with the project, the shoes could have a wide range of health-related uses," CNBC pointed out. "For instance, sudden weight gain can be a sign that the body is retaining fluid, which is a symptom of congestive heart failure. Another area of interest is fall detection, two of the people said, which could be useful for seniors in particular."
Verily did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.
The Apple Watch Series 4 includes a feature that can trigger an emergency SOS call if it detects a hard fall and subsequent inactivity. As we noted in our Series 4 review, the feature is nice, but "doesn't necessarily make the watch a replacement for a dedicated medical alert device."
Meanwhile, if you're concerned about the risk of being injured in a fall, you can also check out a new device called Walabot Home from the 3D imaging sensor company Vayyar. Unveiled last fall, the smart home device attaches to your wall and uses Wi-Fi-like "advanced, low-power radio wave technology"—not cameras—to detect falls. If you take a tumble, Walabot calls your emergency contact to let them know.