As every day seems to bring news of municipalities banning e-cigarettes, and studies decrying claims e-cigarettes are safe and a way to help smokers kick the habit, now comes news of a new device that doesn't emit vapors and offers support to cigarette addicts trying to quit.
The Quitbit lighter, a start-up venture seeking crowdsourced funding on KickStarter, tracks a smoker's smoking behavior, from counting cigarettes to serving as supportive coach, and lets users lock it down to prevent lighting another cigarette.
The Boston-based venture is selling the device, at a price range between $70 and $90, starting in December. It's hoping to raise $50,000 to get the company on its feet and as of Wednesday had raised $19,293 with the help of 291 backers. There is just under a month left to hit the goal.
The news comes as e-cigarettes, the newest smoking-cessation technology, is continually under fire from municipalities banning use in indoor spaces and new research regarding potentially harmful aspects.
The Quitbit lighter uses a heating element like that of a car lighter and counts every cigarette lit. Its display lets smokers know about their habits -- from number of butts smoked to insight on when the last cigarette was lit.
"We've built some smarts into the Quitbit to keep track of only your smoking. Whether you're just flicking your lighter or sharing it with friends, the Quitbit ensures that accurate data is collected," states the KickStarter site.
The lighter works with a smartphone app, already available in the AppStore, which helps smokers calculate smoking costs and track cessation goals. According to the company, an Android app is in the making.
"Use the understanding you gain from the Quitbit to reduce your smoking and, when you're ready, stop altogether," states the company.
The device has been in development for over a year and has gone through four prototypes. All that's left is to pass regulations regarding electronic devices and Bluetooth signals.
"What once started from 3D printed housings and off-the-shelf components has gone to aluminum housings and custom boards," states the website.
The funding raised will pay for tooling for molded parts and manufacturing and further app development.
