Most of us are health conscious. We may not be into exercise as much as we’re not into a slow, lingering death – but the reason we’re health conscious isn’t the point. It’s enough that we are. We wear our Fitbits or Fitbit-equivalents and can tell you how many steps we took, how much water we drank, and how well we slept. Not bad when all you need to do is wear a plastic bracelet. But how do you know you’re hydrated? Is it enough to drink the recommended amount of water, or do you want to know what it means?
For those who search for meaning behind the numbers, there’s Vessyl. I could go into an infomercial pitch about it and tell you it will revolutionize your life, and maybe it will, but first I’ll tell you that Vessyl is the newest accouterment for the fitness-minded. It’s a cup that’s more than a cup. It’s not quite the Holy Grail, but it is a vessel that will let you know how well you’re hydrated.
But that’s not all. Vessyl is able to automatically know and track every sip you take. That would be impressive enough for beverages that are available in stores, but this cup can also analyze beverages you whip up for yourself. It can tell you how much caffeine is in your current drink, as well as how much caffeine you’ve had for the day. I can calculate calories, fit in a cup holder, charge on its own base, sync with your activity tracker, and just generally look good. Why enter your glass of red wine when you can drink out of Vessyl – okay, you might opt for that in lieu of bringing your own cup to a formal dinner.
Vessyl can assess your hydration through Pryme, an algotrithm that estimates your minute-to-minute hydration needs. Pryme measures your specific hydration needs by taking your “gender, age, height, weight, geographical factors, sleep schedule, diet, types of beverages you consume, as well as activity and exercise patterns.” If that’s not enough, it can offer “generic guidance” once it gets to know you.
So yes, I’m saying you just drink. Vessyl worries about everything else. You’re basically good to go. AND, the cup itself is pretty good looking. You know it’s going to be ubiquitous, and since it is and since it’s tech, I’m going to try it out and tell you how it works!
Gina Hagler is a freelance writer and published author who covers science, technology, health, climate change, bubbles, and species survival–among other topics. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) and the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). She is also the author of Sammi’s New Normal: The Storybook Illustrated Guide to Epilepsy.