Fitbit founders debut fitness band for aging parents
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The Luffu Link band. Image: Luffu
Luffu, the startup created by two of Fitbit's co-founders, debuted a fitness band Tuesday that they say is part of their effort to tap the power of AI to help family members keep tabs on one another.
Why it matters: The project aims to address the challenges faced by caregivers, including those in the sandwich generation with aging parents and kids at home.
Driving the news: The Luffu Link, which will be available early next year, combines sleep and step tracking with voice recording, location tracking and a cellular modem, all in service of keeping tabs on one's own health and that of family members.
- The band will cost $299 ($249 for those who preorder).
- The company won't charge separately for cellular service, but the band requires the company's $20-per-month family subscription plan (covers up to four people).
How it works: Link wearers can press the band's button to record a voice memo that is sent to Luffu's AI-powered service. Messages can include a description of a symptom, a record of medicine taken, other health information or anything else they want to remember.
- Luffu can use AI to determine things such as missed medications or a change in vitals, but family members control what gets shared with the AI or with loved ones.
- Users can also use the band to summon help from a family member, while two quick presses of the button sends a message that means all is good.
What they're saying: "The purpose of it is to keep people healthy, safe, independent, but also connected to the people who care about them," Luffu CEO and former Fitbit CEO James Park said in an interview.
What we're watching: Park is also teasing a home device with a screen that will eventually be part of the lineup.
