The link between the consumption of alcohol and road deaths is well documented. But often responsible consumers of alcohol aren’t sure whether they are close to or over the legal limit. For these users, Breathometer, a small company based in the US, has released the first smartphone-linked breathalyser. This compact unit plugs into the earphone socket of a smartphone and an application that is installed on the device links to the breathalyser to complete the functionality. The system is compact and relatively affordable because it does not require its own power source, screen or processing unit. After the user blows into the device, the blood-alcohol level is measured and displayed on the cellphone’s screen. Breathometer claims its accuracy matches the best breathalysers.
It is avalable from www.breathometer.com for US$49 (about R450) before shipping and import duties.