Kohler Dekoda 600: A Camera for Your Toilet
Kohler, a company known for its home products, is entering the health technology sector with the launch of its Kohler Health division and its inaugural product, the Dekoda 600. This $599 device is a camera designed to be installed in your toilet, analyzing liquid and solid waste to provide health insights.
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Official guidance: NIST — official guidance for Kohler Dekoda 600 camera your toilet
Dekoda 600: Functionality and Features
The Dekoda 600 is equipped with sensors that analyze toilet bowl contents. These sensors utilize what Kohler describes as “validated machine learning algorithms” to assess various aspects of waste, including hydration levels, gut health indicators, and the presence of blood. The collected data is then transmitted to Kohler Health’s iPhone application. The company is reportedly working on Android support for the app as well.
The device comes with a magnetic charging pad for convenient power replenishment. A wall-mounted remote is also included. This remote offers an optional Bluetooth fingerprint authorization feature, intended to prevent unauthorized access to the data, particularly from guests using the toilet. This feature aims to maintain user privacy within a shared household environment.
Health Data and Subscriptions
According to Kohler, the Dekoda 600 is designed to transform the bathroom into a “connected, data-informed health and wellness hub,” allowing users to integrate health monitoring into their daily routines. While the concept of proactive health management through data analysis is generally accepted, the Dekoda 600’s approach represents a specific and potentially expensive method for obtaining such information. For example, the system can help assess if you’re drinking enough water.
Beyond the initial $599 purchase price of the Dekoda 600, users will also be required to subscribe to a Kohler Health plan. The company offers both individual and family plan options. The exact pricing for these subscriptions has not been detailed. Dekoda products are expected to begin shipping soon. The need for a recurring subscription fee adds to the overall cost of using the Dekoda system for health monitoring.
Precedents in Toilet-Based Health Tech
Kohler is not the first company to explore the use of toilet-based technology for health monitoring. Withings, a company specializing in health-related technology, introduced a urine stream analyzer a few years ago, priced at approximately $500. This indicates an existing, albeit niche, market for devices that gather health data through toilet usage.
The Dekoda 600 and similar devices cater to individuals highly interested in tracking their personal biometrics. The appeal of such technology may depend on the user’s comfort level with the invasiveness of the data collection method and their willingness to invest in both the initial device and ongoing subscription costs.
Conclusion
The Kohler Dekoda 600 represents a novel approach to health monitoring by integrating data collection into the everyday act of using the toilet. While the device offers potential benefits in terms of tracking hydration, gut health, and other indicators, its high cost and subscription requirement may limit its appeal. The Dekoda 600 joins a small but growing category of toilet-based health technology, reflecting an increasing interest in personalized and proactive health management.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and may contain affiliate links. Always verify details with official sources.
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