This week’s Quantified Self roundup features an effort to bolster the Internet of Things, a phone case that tracks your vitals, and a wearable gadget that pairs users with personal trainers.

UK boosts IoT effort

David Cameron, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, is turning the Internet of Things sogan into a fact.  Announced at CeBIT 2014 in Hannover, Sir Mark Walport will be leading the review of the Internet of Things in the UK, and £45 million (close to $75 million) in funding will be available for researchers in the UK, while a £1 million grant will be available for European products developing for the sector.

“This is a world on fast forward. A world of permanent technological revolution. And in this world, countries like the UK and Germany will only succeed if we have a relentless drive for new ideas and innovations,” Cameron stated.

Cameron believes that there is a huge potential for the IoT to improve productivity, health and energy.  We could be seeing pollution sensors that are able to detect allergens and tell homes to close doors or stock up on antihistamines.  Or we could be seeing a future wherein homes are equipped with homemade connected devices.

Wello

Samsung’s Galaxy S5 turned heads with the revelation of a heart sensor on its back, adjacent to the LED flash, coming at a time when people are becoming increasingly health conscious.  Not many can afford the Galaxy S5 especially when its projected retail price, without a contract, could reach around $650.

image via Azoi

If you want a vital signs monitor that isn’t that expensive, you might be interested in Wello by Azoi.  Wello is available as an iPhone case for the 4s/5/5s, and as a stand alone device for Android devices running version 4.3 or above.

There are hidden sensors on Wello, which means you need to hold it in a specific way to get your readings such as heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, electrocardiography (ECG), blood oxygenation, lung functions and more.  You just turn on Wello, place your fingers on the sensors, and wait until the reading appears on your smartphone’s screen.  The Wello app displays, stores, and records your data, but it doesn’t really tell you a diagnosis, you still need a doctor for that.  Wello just makes it easier for you relay important information to your doctor.

Available for pre-order for only $199.

GOQii Life

Living a healthy lifestyle is easier said than done, often because people lack motivation.  A team led by CEO and founder Vishal Gondol has launched a smartband that not only measure your sleep, activity, and monitor your nutritional intake, but it also pairs you with a personal coach to keep you motivated so you can achieve your goal.

image via GOQii

GOQii offers an array of health, fitness & habit experts, a team of leaders from the fields of fitness, sports, nutrition & behavioral Science and the an opportunity of make donations towards social interests.  The band is constantly connected to a personal coach via the app so all your activities and progress can be analyzed so the coach can deliver more insightful feedback to users.

Unfortunately, the GOQii is only available for the Indian market for now, but as the device gets more support, it will become available in Singapore, UAE, USA & UK.

feature image: tinkernoonoo via photopin cc