Samsung’s new Hearapy app can reduce the misery of motion sickness
Samsung reckons its new Hearapy app can help allay the effects of motion sickness
Samsung has released a headphones app called Hearapy, which promises to reduce motion sickness for people who suffer during travel by playing a 100Hz sound for a minute to set you up for a two-hour trip. Samsung says a third of people suffer from some form of motion sickness – with symptoms including dizziness, nausea and sweating – when on the road and in the air.
In a blog post published in German, Samsung says the “ordeal” is caused by inner-ear conflict. “The balance organ registers movements, the eyes see something quiet like a smartphone display or a book. The body reacts with stress,” Samsung says.
And, while drugs have proved ineffective and have possible side effects. However, the free Hearapy app – which is designed to work in tandem with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, but will work with any headphones – promises to mitigate symptoms with a science-backed solution.
“Researchers have experimentally investigated which clay most effectively stimulates the balance organ. The result: If you hear a sound with 100 Hz for 60 seconds at a volume of 80 to 85 dB, you can improve your balance performance,” Samsung says in a blog post.
“The researchers were able to transfer the result to people who suffer from motion sickness. The test subjects had significantly less stress and fewer complaints during a car ride. The effect can last up to 2 hours. However, it only shows up if no music or other sounds disturb the sine tone. In addition, the frequency must be exactly 100 Hz and both ears must be sounded for at least 1 minute before the ride. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro in combination with the free Hearapy app from Samsung contribute to pleasant travel conditions – whether on the plane, car or train.”
Of course, Samsung does want you to use its headphones for this app and argues that the Buds4 Pro offer clean and powerful transmission of the 100Hz sound thanks all the wonderful on-board tech.
The app arrives on the Google Play Store prior to Google’s planned Motion Cues solution for Android, which promises a similar solution.
Chris Smith
