Hitachi has developed a portable biometric monitor based on its 2005 prototype pulse-monitoring sensor, but much lighter (40 grams) and designed to be worn like a wristwatch. Equipped With an accelerometer and temperature sensor, it monitors the wearer's activities 24 hours a day and sends the information wirelessly to a personal computer where it can be analyzed (how much sleep, how much exercise, lifestyle rhythm). The company plans to release a commercial model in 2008.

Source: IndustryWatch and The Nikkei Weekly.