CES 2022: this shake-to-power smart thermometer lasts a lifetime and doesn't require any batteries

(Image credit: Baracoda)

published 6 January 2022

The Consumer Electronics Show is packed with innovative new products, but one that's caught our particular attention is the BCool smart thermometer from health tech company Baracoda. This clever gadget stands out because unlike all other modern, mercury-free thermometers, this one doesn't require a battery. Instead, it packs an integrated supercapacitor, which means you can just shake the thermometer to power it up. A few shakes will provide enough juice to collect one temperature reading.

The obvious benefit is that you don't need to remember to charge up or replace a battery; your thermometer is always ready to go. So if you end up in a crisis, you won't end up stumped by a flat battery. Convenience aside, it's a more eco-friendly solution, and it's designed to last a lifetime. No wonder it picked up an Innovation Award at CES 2022.

This isn't a basic option, either. In use, it boasts many of the same features you'll find in today's best thermometers. There's an option to use it as a touch or no-touch thermometer. The latter just requires you to move the device slowly in front of the forehead, without the need for any actual contact with the skin. It's ideal if, for instance, you want to check a sleeping infant's temperature without disturbing them. Baracoda says the sensors are designed to work fast and deliver readings with medical-grade precision.

More than that, the BCool also connects via Bluetooth to a companion iOS / Android app to unlock extra smart features. Temperature readings will automatically sync to the app, so you can easily track temperature changes over time, without having to be organised enough to take notes. You can set up different profiles for different family members, too.

The BCool smart thermometer is one of a number of interesting wellness-focused innovations from this year's CES. Yesterday, we reported on a smart lightbulb that can monitor your sleep habits, track vital stats and even tell if you've taken a fall.

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Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).