TellSpec: Spectrometer Determining Food Content

TellSpec is an innovation created as a nutritional spectrometer to deliver accurate and real time information about the content of food. It certainly puts a damper on things if one constantly has to think: “does that cake contain cow’s milk?” Or, “how many calories are hanging around in that BLT sandwich?” For that reason, TellSpec was created to identify allergens, chemicals, calories, and even sodium and trans fat. The fact that consumers can ‘virtually’ try food without buying and trying it removes hesitation and fear. This key sized innovation can help consumers to become better informed about what they are putting into their body. Because after all, you are what you eat!

How Will TellSpec Work?

The TellSpec is comprised of three components. First, the spectrometer or a low powered laser will be pointed at food to aid in analysis. Second, the analysis of the data will be subjected to algorithms. Finally, TellSpec is presented as an app on smartphones. As well, TellSpec will work on the principle of crowdsourcing. This means the more users that scan their food will help grow the list of 3000 plus algorithms already present. This will allow others users to learn about their meal content.

However, it is important to note that this vision by TellSpec, a company with headquarters in Toronto, has created ties with Dallas, Texas. It was announced at the beginning of the year that Texas Instruments’ Digital Light Processing has been integrated into the product. It is with this partnership that TellSpec will be updated.

“TellSpec is taking advantage of DLP technology’s capabilities in exciting new ways, by applying the DLP device to an advanced consumer food and health solution, said Mariquita Gordon, Manager of DLP Embedded Products at TI.”

Nonetheless, the feasibility of TI’s DLP has been called into question and a study is underway. Yet with all new innovations, bumps in the road are to be expected. It is inspiring and admiring that TellSpec are still dedicated to delivering a quality product with the help of Texas Instruments.

The Availability of TellSpec?

The health conscious individuals intrigued by the possibility of being part of a revolution to take back their control with food will have to wait until later on in 2014 to pre-order.

For more information on TellSpec, click here.

At MAKO Design + Invent we are constantly on the lookout for fascinating concepts and innovations. It is this fascination that drives the team here to help bring ideas into fruition. Contact us today if you have an idea that you would like to become a reality.

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!