Inclusive Technologies

Here’s an excellent article about a terrifying reality: alternative smoke alarms are a massive failure for deaf and hard of hearing people.  For example, only 27% of test subjects were awakened by strobe lights, the most common alternative to audible alarms in public environments.  And a low frequency tone works better than the more common high frequency tone.  The article is based on a report from the National Fire Protection Research Foundation.
Hearing Mojo: Sleeping Through Smoke Detector Alarm Can Get Hard-Of-Hearing Killed

This Widex hearing aid, covered in gold and diamonds, costs about $50K.  Who is the intended market, aging blingsters?  Of course, even regular hearing aids cost too much — maybe that’s the point?
Diamond-Encrusted, Solid 24k Gold Hearing Aid

This phone, to be offered by LG, not only performs a glucose test, but can send the results to a pe-programmed number (probably your doctor, not your confectionist).  Another step forward for personal telemedicine!

HealthPias GlucoPhone gets FDA approval - Engadget Mobile