New UV-Tracking Necklace Launches from Ex-Fitbit Exec's Company

A new wearable device aims to help users monitor their sun exposure with a smart necklace unveiled by The90, a startup founded by former Fitbit executive Stacy Salvi. The device, named The Gem, is a round pendant necklace equipped with sensors designed to measure both UVA and UVB rays. This real-time data fluctuates throughout the day based on a wearer's movement and proximity to sunlight, whether outdoors or near a window. The collected information is transmitted to a companion app that generates a personalized skin profile. This profile offers tailored advice on individual UV thresholds, prompts for sunscreen application, and recommended sunlight exposure windows.

Salvi, who spent eight years at Fitbit before and after its acquisition by Google in 2021, founded The90 to address what she sees as a gap in personal health technology. "The Gem is the first product in a new category of smart jewelry focused on proactive skin health," a company representative stated. The necklace's sensors are engineered to provide a precise assessment of UV exposure, aiming to empower users to make informed decisions about protecting their skin. The app's insights are designed to be actionable, moving beyond simple data collection to offer practical guidance for daily life.

Context on Skin Health and Wearable Technology

The launch arrives at a time when awareness of the long-term effects of sun exposure, including skin cancer, continues to grow. While numerous UV-sensing technologies exist, from dedicated devices to features integrated into other products, The90 positions The Gem as a distinct offering. Unlike standalone sensors or applications that rely solely on weather data, this smart necklace integrates hardware directly into a piece of jewelry, blending fashion with function. This approach seeks to encourage consistent use by appealing to consumers who value both aesthetics and health monitoring. Companies like L'Oreal and Shade have also explored UV detection, but The90's focus on a pendant necklace format marks a unique entry into the growing wearable technology market.

The UV exposure data captured by The Gem is processed to create a user-specific risk assessment. The app will alert users when their cumulative exposure reaches certain levels, and provide reminders for reapplication of sunscreen. It will also highlight optimal windows for safe sun exposure, such as during times when UV radiation is less intense. This proactive approach is intended to help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer over time. The technology aims to be accessible and easy to use, fitting seamlessly into a daily routine without requiring complex setup or constant attention. The company believes that by making UV tracking a stylish and convenient option, they can encourage better sun safety habits among a broad demographic, particularly women who are a key target market for fashion-oriented smart jewelry.

The debut of The Gem signifies a potential new direction for wearable health tech, moving beyond fitness tracking and sleep monitoring to address dermatological health. The smart jewelry market is still nascent, and The90's entry with a focus on UV protection could carve out a significant niche. Future iterations of the product may incorporate additional health-tracking features, further integrating wearable tech into comprehensive personal wellness management. The company is also exploring partnerships to expand the reach of its platform.