The recently-announced ONVI Prophix toothbrush has a built-in camera that lets users stream video from inside their mouth as they brush. Philips doesn't go that far with its new brush, but has instead kitted it out with sensors that track brushing on a 3D mouth-map to encourage thorough oral care.
The Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected uses sensors to track brushing habits in real time, which are able to detect the location of the brush within the mouth, brushing technique and pressure being applied.
Coupled with an accompanying mobile app to which the brush connects via Bluetooth, the data produced by the sensors provides a personalized 3D mouth-map for the user, lets them know when they are brushing too fast or too hard, identifies areas of the mouth that they have missed and coaches them on improving their brushing technique.
Once brushing is complete, a post-brushing analysis will provide guidance about aspects in which users can improve, such as identifying areas areas of the mouth that need more attention. Reminders to focus on those areas can also be provided on subsequent occasions. A personalized "TouchUp" feature, meanwhile, encourages users to go over spots they've missed.
The ultimate aim of the Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected is to help users improve their brushing regime. There's no word yet on when the brush will be made available, or how much it will cost.
Source: Philips