Just recently, we reported that Microsoft was apparently conducting “research” on how technology can help detect stress and help prevent stress-related eating, especially for women. In fact, one of the projects is a bra that has an embedded electrocardiogram and electrodermal activity sensors, as well as a gyroscope and accelerometer.
Microsoft researchers had apparently designed a “stress-busting” bra that features a special material that monitors the wearers moods and helps regulate stress eating. While this story went viral, some people may have believed that Microsoft was indeed working on releasing this idea into the public hands. Unfortunately, we must all remember that this is a research prototype only.
“The bra sensing system is just one instance of a class of work from a group of Microsoft researchers who are focused on the broader topic of affective computing, or designing devices and services that are sensitive to people’s moods and react accordingly. While we will continue our research in affective computing, Microsoft has no plans to develop a bra with sensors,” Microsoft stated in response.
The premise behind the prototype stress-busting bra is to provide feedback to the wearer so they can see the signs of stress that lead to overeating and perhaps help them make better decisions. Unfortunately for those who got their hopes up, Microsoft has no intentions on creating this bra en masse. The bra is simply a prototype of the technology that is being worked on.
