This Piece of Tech Jewelry Actually Gets Me to Put Down My Phone

This is the Vinaya Altruis. On the surface, it just looks like a cute bracelet, but it's actually a pretty advanced piece of wearable technology. I've been wearing one for the last month or so, and it's honestly helped me pick up my phone less often.

That's because instead of checking my phone constantly to see if I've received new texts or emails, I know exactly when I have new notifications thanks to a tiny vibration in my bracelet.

The white ceramic stone in the center of the bracelet connects to my phone with Bluetooth so that my most important notifications trigger a vibration.

Best of all, the vibrations are totally customizable through the Altruis app, so I know when I'm getting a call vs. a text, and I don't even need to look at my phone to know whether it was my boyfriend or my mom who just texted me.

Altruis also let me create "profiles" to separate work contacts from family and friends, so on the weekends I can deactivate notifications from work.

It's even possible to set up vibrations that sync up with your Uber, Instagram and Headspace apps. Even though Altruis is far from incorporating every app, this is a pretty cool addition. Down the line, I'd love Pokémon Go to be compatible with Altruis. Maybe someday!

For a gadget, it's also pretty sleek-looking. I've gotten plenty of compliments on it from people who would never suspect it was wearable tech.

And if you're not into the watch look, there are different models of Altruis in case you'd prefer a ring or a necklace version, and they come in lots of great colors.

(via Vinaya)

Even the charger is different than what I'm used to seeing. The Altruis connects to it via three small magnetized pegs, and the woven charging cable itself is super durable.

 

If you anxiously check your phone every chance you get, the Altruis might just change your life. At $195, the band may be a bit beyond the average teen's price range, but you may want to add it to your holiday wish list!

 

Need even more technology in your life? Click HERE to find out all about the new Furby (and its awesome app.)