CES 2014: Withings Shows Off 'Aura' Smart Sleep Tracking System - MacRumors
Skip to Content

CES 2014: Withings Shows Off 'Aura' Smart Sleep Tracking System

by

Withings, the company behind the Smart Activity Tracker and the Smart Body Analyzer is showing off its newest health monitoring device, the Aura Smart Sleep System. Aura, which consists of a bedside device with an ambient light, a sleep sensor, and an app, is designed to monitor and improve the sleeping experience.

The system's bedside device records information like noise pollution, room temperature, and light level, while the sleep sensor, which goes under a mattress, monitors sleep patterns, breathing cycles, and heart rate. The sensor is able to pick up the tiniest of movements, even under thick mattresses.

withingsaura

Withings Aura is comprised of a soft and discreet sleep sensor that slips under your mattress and works in synchronization with the sensitively designed bedside device. Together, the two units record and monitor an array of factors to offer you a deep understanding of your sleeping experience. The sleep sensor focuses on personal patterns (body movements, breathing cycles and heart rate) and the bedside device screens your bedroom environment (noise pollution, room temperature and light levels).

In addition to recording information, the bedside device is able to offer customized light and sound to improve sleep, along with alarm clock functionality and personalized wake-up and fall-asleep programs.

For example, the multi-color LED in the bedside device is able to regulate melatonin, and sound programs are able to replicate the frequency and pattern of the circadian rhythm to stimulate users upon waking and relax them when sleeping.

The accompanying app allows users to visualize and compare their sleep cycles from night to night, monitoring triggers that cause poor sleep, and it also allows user to program their individual sleep programs.

Withings' Aura sleep system will be available in the spring of 2014 for $299.

Top Rated Comments

Nevaborn Avatar
160 months ago
This might help those with sleep apnea.

Sadly not. This does nothing to offer respitory aid only ambience. Personally I already know my sleeps crap, this is just an expensive way of telling you.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
demodave Avatar
159 months ago
Sadly not. This does nothing to offer respitory aid only ambience. Personally I already know my sleeps crap, this is just an expensive way of telling you.

Why would you state that this "can't help"? Even if the monitoring only allows a person with sleep apnea to become aware that they have the problem, it might encourage them to seek more corrective help. By providing that guidance, this device could "help" them. It does have a "sensor".

(I have no stake in this, but I find your comment too closed-ended/minded. Many who suffer from sleep apnea are not aware that they suffer it.)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
160 months ago
I wonder if this will work on infants, so as to reduce SIDS? If so, $299 is a pittance.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sol Avatar
160 months ago
This system could be programmed to trigger lucid dreams. Apparently to do this, colour lights need to be triggered when someone is in a certain stage of sleep (I think it is REM, the 5th stage of sleep). Since this device will monitor heart-rate and movement, it should be able to time the triggering of colour lights at just the right time, so as to alert the dreamer that he is in a dream without waking him.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...