I have a bit of a weight problem. For a long time, I have wanted a scale that would automatically get my weight, figure out who I am (i.e. vs. my wife or someone else that gets on the scale), and then keep track of my weight online.
I could never find such a scale, so I started thinking about getting a scale with a RS-232 output and hooking it up to a computer, and writing the software myself. Finally though, a company named Withings has come out with the product.
The Withings scale links to your wifi network. It captures Weight, BMI, fat mass, etc. It reports up to the web and IPhone. I was at first worried that it might be difficult to configure with my WPA security, but it was quite easy. You attach a supplied USB cable (as if I don't have a dozen of those) to the scale, plug it into your laptop, and run a config program (which you download from their site). The system scans for available networks, you enter the WPA key, and your done.
The online software is great and evolving. It is basically Flash based/web 2.0 type presentation. They keep adding little features, like Target weight, then letting you track progress. I suspect there will be a natural evolution of providing other information like recommended diets, exercise routines, etc. It is a natural for them to make a wifi BP cuff, pulse gauge, maybe even a treadmill. Would also be cool if they could link it to Twitter or facebook and embarrass me into losing weight.
