If you’re not satisfied with a standard sleep tracking app , Luna’s smart mattress cover could be just what you’ve been waiting for. The smart cover monitors your sleep, controls your bed’s temperature and can hook into a range of connected devices including Nest .
Luna is machine washable and available for preorder now in queen and king size from $179. It includes sensors to measure sleep phase, breath frequency, heart rate, temperature and light along with a microphone and Wi-Fi. It also integrates with Web automation tool IFTTT to trigger custom actions.
The data collected by the mattress cover is fed to the company’s free app for iOS and Android. Over time, it learns your individual sleep patterns and habits. Dual-side temperature control means that both members of a couple can have their side of the bed set to a specific heat and the app will recommend the optimum level for good sleep.
Luna’s accelerometer tracks sleep patterns. The microphone – which could be somewhat worrying to people fearful for their privacy – is there to detect snoring. Over time, the app will offer suggestions to improve your sleep based on analysis of the data it collects.
Using open-source hardware and software frameworks, Luna can hook up with other smart devices including speakers, lightbulbs and connected air vents to automatically get your room ready for sleep when you get into bed. The company has already partnered with Lockitron , Beep , Emberlight as well as Nest .
We’ve seen quite a few systems designed to improve and monitor your sleep but Luna’s integration with other connected devices makes it pretty intriguing. Still you’ll need to be comfortable with stuffing your bed with that many sensors and a microphone before you take the plunge.
➤ Luna Sleep
Read next: Spark’s Internet Button Is An IoT Remote With IFTTT Built In
HTC is reportedly planning to launch a GoPro-style 16-megapixel action camera
HTC is holding a press event next month, and the latest rumor suggests that the Taiwanese firm will unveil a waterproof camera in the style of GoPro. That’s according to company sources cited by Bloomberg , which reports that the device could sport a 16-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and WiFi support, and the ability to sync to Android and iOS phones.
This wouldn’t be the only reveal at the October 8 HTC event, Bloomberg suggests that a ‘new smartphone optimized for selfies’ may also be unveiled. Yes, another one .
GoPro raised more than $400 million from a stellar public listing this summer. Though its brand dominates the action camera space, it would be an interesting branch out from HTC, which has created well-received smartphones but lags Apple, Samsung and other rivals on sales numbers and market share.
➤ HTC Said to Develop Waterproof Camera to Challenge GoPro [Bloomberg]
Since we’re talking GoPro, check out two of our favorite videos:
This is what happens when you duct tape a GoPro camera to your car’s tire
This 360° video shot with 6 GoPro cameras will blow your mind
Thumbnail image via AFP / Getty Images
Google Chromecast now available in Canada, UK and 9 other European countries
Google has finally launched its Chromecast streaming dongle — which allows for ‘casting’ of content from a smartphone, tablet or laptop to any HDMI-equipped TV — outside the US for the first time since it launched in July last year .
From today, Chromecast is available to buy in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, in addition to the US. In the UK, it costs £30 and is available from Google Play, Amazon, Currys and PC World – those latter two got a bit ahead of themselves and actually put it up for sale ahead of launch .
It doesn’t just work with Android tablets and smartphones either, it can also be used with iOS devices via the Chromecast app , with Chrome for Mac or Windows, or using a Chromebook. For a list of supported services, check out this list .
Image Credits: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images ( 1 ) ( 2 )