2011 will mark the end of days for the lazy peripherals. Dr. Jack Atzmon, a practicing chiropractor, was tired of taking care of patients with repetitive stress injury from computer use. He knew that most people would have to change the way they worked to better their lives. Unfortunately, most computer mice and keyboards are stiff and static. No matter how comfy and cushy you make them, the majority do very little to reduce injury.
Dr. Atzmon had a vision of applying simple changes to our most necessary office peripherals that would keep a person’s muscles guessing and blood flowing. This simple vision gave birth to Smartfish Technologies. The technology of their devices are based on hard medical research. The Cosby Sweaters team had the fortune having a personal interview with the founder and principals at CES in Las Vegas.
The Engage Keyboard is the first automated keyboard of its kind. Using state-of-the-art patented technology, the keyboard studies the keystrokes of the user. Depending on the rate and frequency, the keyboard changes the arrangement of the keys. These adjustments keep your hands from remaining in the same fixed and injurious position. The keyboard is not wireless, yet, and must be powered by USB. The Engage keyboard and its “Anti-Fatigue Comfort Motion” received the 2011 Best of Innovations Honoree at CES, this year.
The Whirl Laser Mouse and Mini Mouse operate on a similar premise of the Engage Keyboard—to minimize the effects of repetitive stress motions by mitigating the static motions of mice currently on the market. The mouse does this by replicating micro movements that keep the otherwise static hand in motion. Essentially, the mouse moves with your hand, relieving inert muscles stress.
At the Consumer Electronic Show, there were hundreds of exhibitors attempting to show off their own take on computer accessories. Nothing on the showroom floor came close to comparing to Smartfish’s innovative designs. Born from the hospital room, their products were not just in a class of their own, they seemed the beginning of entirely new era for personal electronics. A person spends eight hours a night in their beds, which can cost a small fortune for the most ergonomic of models. The same person should easily be able to invest a small fraction of that on the peripherals they spend much of their productive hours with. I am looking forward to many more great things coming from Smartfish for many more years to come as they expand into gaming and portable devices. I see these as only small steps of the incredible giant on its way.
For more information on Smartfish, go to www.getsmartfish.com
