Microsoft Developing Headphones That Can Measure Health, Change Music Based on Mood

It used to be rather Orwellian to consider electronics and computer chips being attached to the human being to monitor behavior and thoughts. Things have changed dramatically as technology has evolved dramatically. How does this relate to music? Microsoft is researching headphones that can measure a number of health issues without being as invasive as an under-skin unit.

The Septimu headphones, developed under Microsoft's LifeX chapter, aren't your typical ear buds. They come equipped with a thermometer to monitor the user's temperature, an internal measurement unit to monitor activity levels, and an audio detector that can track heart rate. Not only can the technology be used for healthful purposes, but it can also set the listener up with a physically-oriented personal Pandora service.

For example, based on heart rate, the headphones will be able to tell what emotions the listener is feeling. For example, a rapid heart rate might suggest anger. Just like that, the earpieces will instruct the iPod or phone to play Lamb of God instead of Coldplay. Or vice versa, if your mood suggests it. The internal measurement unit could also realize that the user is exercising, and find songs within the ideal 150-160 BPM range to help out. Listening to music at specific BPM can also help a listener maintain healthy heart rates.

There's no word on when such a product would be available, nor how much such complicated earbuds might cost. The question, we suppose, might come down to whether the user wants to spend money on headphones that can measure their temperatures, or headphones that sound good.