Google has announced that it has acquired Lift Labs, the company behind a tremor–cancelling product called Liftware. The device is aimed at helping those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
In a post on Google , the Big G said that Lift Labs would become part of its X Labs, the branch of the company which develops future technology and has previously fostered kit including Google Glass.
Liftware is able to stabilise everything from cutlery to pens, detecting tremor levels so that users can eat or write without disruption. The company is said to be working on more attachments.
In its post, Google said, “We’re ... going to explore how [Lift’s] technology could be used in other ways to improve the understanding and management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.”
Lift also posted its own Google statement. “We will continue to sell our Liftware system, and Google will enable us to reach even more people living with Parkinson’s or essential tremor who could benefit from using tremor-canceling devices every day.”
The acquisition shows how Google is stretching out from its traditional search and consumer technology territory. With its own Google Fit app and a burgeoning interest in the health sector, it appears Mountain View is lining up to take on key rival Apple in this now key space.
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