Tech giant Microsoft has just unveiled one of their newest, most innovative designs: a wristwatch that can temporarily halt tremors in people with Parkinson’s disease.
MORE: Inventor solves graphic designer’s problem with Parkinson’s tremors.
The prototype was showcased last week at the Microsoft Build 2017 event in Seattle, Washington. The watch works by vibrating in a certain pattern which disrupts the patient’s own tremors and quiets them. According to USA Today, the “Emma” watch was originally designed for a British graphic designer, whose Parkinson’s disease had left her unable to do her job. Microsoft engineers accepted a challenge on behalf of the BBC television program The Big Fix and astounded everyone when Emma was able to write her name while wearing the device.
Although the watch doesn’t cure tremors, it could offer a practical solution to millions of people living with the disease and the technology can be built upon to come up with other creative ideas that may help tremors in other parts of the body.
MORE: Designing hacks for life with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinsons’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
When might this be available?
This watch is not in production yet.
Please let me know when available to buy. Also if there are any triles i would be happy to join in
Whats taking so long, thousands are waiting for this I am sure’
yes!! true! has been waiting for a year.
Yeah i also want to know
I want to order a Parkinson’s watch.nee a order address regards robert smith
My fiance has terrible tremors. He is in the medical field, and he so wants to be able to care for patients but it is a challenge for him. Please inform the media and me when this watch will be available so my future husband has a shot to do what he loves, which is helping care for people.
Thank you to all involved in making this breakthrough. Please let me know when it is available (and hopefully affordable). I would also like to be included in any clinical trials.
My wife have Parkinson, I follow the history of the watch
to order one ,when be available to buy, and aprox.the price.
Are microsoft even working on this still?
when will the Emma watch be available for purchase and will medicare support the cost??
Thank you
This watch is not available or in production yet.
please let me know when emma watch is available. I would even volunteer as a beta tester. [email protected]
Janine
It’s like false hope. “Look what we’ve done!”
It’s not available and we don’t know when it will be.
It’s terribly disheartening.
Exactly…dangle a carrot infront of the donkey.this would help so many people😦
I have to agree that this very depressing that Microsoft has a product they have made public yet isn’t available to the public yet.
I am a Disabled Vietnam Veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange. I was one of the 1000 who had DBS in 2012 by the Doctors who were training other surgeons this new procedure @ U of U in SLC. I still had a slight tremor but over this past several months I am beginning to shuffle and lean forward. My balance has been horrible & falling a lot. My wife gets upset because my speech is very low sometimes barely audible. I had steady employment until 2002 but my shaky hands did not do well in high voltage splicing and finally had to quit my artwork, hunting & fishing. My loss of balance cost me dancing & other activities, all of which has thrown me in a very depressed state of mind, now there is a possible cure for maybe one hand that would allow me to return to a more fruitful & fulfilling life but it’s still not in production. I hope this isn’t “fake news!”
Please let me know when this watch is available
Please inform me if this Emma Watch is available and also the cost, how to obtain one.
I too want to know when the emma watch will be available for me to purchase.
when can we buy this watch?
This watch is only a prototype and not available for production yet.
Why is it not in production yet, clearly there are a lot of people wanting one so what’s the hold up?
You would think that if Apple, and all those cell phone companies can turn out “new and updated phones” every other day that Microsoft could turn out this important product at least as fast. There are so many people whose lives can be improved by this watch. I think this would far more important to people than another cell phone!
This is Microsoft, remember, not Apple.
are there clinical trials? I think those with essential tremors would be very interested in this watch as well. My husband has essential tremors and his life would be much better without medication to calm the tremors.
Where can you purchase the watch that helps Parkinson trip tremors
This watch was only presented as a prototype. It is not in production yet.
Dear Sir / Madam,
Has the Emma watch become available now? Kindly advise. Many thanks. Nubia de Oliveira
Hi Tim
Do you need anymore people to trial the Emma Watch?Many thanks
Why??
When will/shall it be in production?
Please stop saying the wtach is not in production yet. Got it!
the question being asked is ‘when” will it be in production? Is there anything that can be done to expedite this? Trial subjects? Finance? Goverment petitions?
I would like to buy Emma Watch.
Someone knows where I can buy ig.
Many thanks
Mari. Armen
Amen Amen !!!!!
Where can we sign up for a clinical trial?
Will this watch be so expensive that a regular guy cant afford it?
when,where and how can I get it?
Hurry it up please 😄
I need one for a patient. Microsoft please hurry.
Are there plans to put this watch into production soon? My son who is a freshman in college has a tremor. Even with a smartpen, note taking is difficult. This could be a game changer for him and so many others. Happy to trial.
We are hoping that that this can help many people when it is released.
Are you working with the Michael J.Fox foundation to expedite this becoming available sooner than later?
I also am interested in this watch for my father. I used to live in Seattle, my brother and his family still do. Like a lot of other people suffering from this horrific disease, I know he would also be interested in participating in a clinical trial if offered or purchase. Please hurry
I want my dad to enjoy the time he has left with my mom to the best of their ability!!
Do you think this watch would help a person with ataxia from a TBI? My son suffers from ataxia in his right had and arm as a result of TBI from a car accident. Feedback please.
And when will it be in production?
Try to keep the price down!
I really need one for patient with an artist. When I will get it? Thank you.
Please notify us when this watch is available.
Had Essential tremors my whole life. Would Emma help for this condition too? I am in desperate need of it so I can eat and send out Christmas cards. How can I get on the list to have one when they are available? Thank You.
This is a huge life changer — can’t wait to return to a life where my hands function normally. What a relief. Please help soon!
I read another article that said it would be ‘many years’ before it’s commercially available, it’s cruel if this is true, even without FDA approval, I’d buy one, better than having electrodes in your brain
If this is a medical device, there is a fairly lengthy process for getting it to market:
* Establishment registration
* Medical Device Listing
* Premarket Notification 510(k), unless exempt, or Premarket Approval (PMA)
* Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) for clinical studies
* Quality System (QS) regulation
* Labeling requirements
* Medical Device Reporting (MDR)
Does anyone know where in the process development is? If it’s in clinical trials, does anyone know who to contact?
I don’t understand why we cannot locate information as to how to participate in the clinical trials.
Dear Microsoft / Tim Bossie,
Can you please try to be more clear on your release planning of the Emma watch. It is important for an PD patient like me. If it takes years or you do not intend to release please say so
It is very difficult to have possible solutions presented to
Parkinson’s patients with a tremor in one or both hands
And then not let them know when manufacturing will begin.
On a solution such as the watch. It’s “a big tease” we need concrete information.
Is the Emma watch in production yet?
Give me an idea on cost & time it will be available, please !
Like everyone else asking, When will it be available? Hopefully in my lifetime.
Like everyone else asking, When will it be available? Hopefully in my lifetime. On a solution such as the watch. It’s “a big tease” we need concrete information. Who ever has this project in their in tray please get it moving, it cant be that difficult and would improve the quality of life for thousands of people. Is money the problem? I am sure this could be raised in a kick starter project?
Please someone grab the ball and run with it!!
Parkinsons sufferer
Alec Forman
I have a tremor in my left hand, because of ms. Do you think the Emma would work for me?
Deirdre quinn
Microsoft can produce the product in another country with less governmen (FDA) intervention. We the PD sufferers need solutions.
I would like more information on when the watch will be available or how to become part of the trial.
Thank you
Is there a possibility of watches being available for individuals as test subjects?
How , where , we can find it how much its cost .is it dream ?
Dear Mr. Bossie,
Thank you for taking time to respond to some.I have known two dear friends that have had to deal with this horrible disease. My friend I have known 65 yrs, since 1st day of kindergarten, had to try to help her mom struggle with this disease. It took so much from her. Now, I have a close friend that is trying hard to stay pro-active and upbeat. The tremors cause a lot of difficulty. Not just writing, eating, answering a phone, dressing, getting out of bed,etc. Please try to speed up the process and keep price afordable. They are so many out there your profits will not suffer by making it affordable. A high price will just mean you will not sell as many since their med are a priority.
Thank you again,
Bev Woodroof
I would very much like more information when this Emma watch is available and the cost of it. I have suffered from Parkinson’s for 13 years, and I would really benefit from something like this. Do you need more participants for clinical trials? I would love to participate. Please hurry the production!
I have a 22 year old daughter that this would be amazing for. She just graduated from college in May with a tesching degree and is subbing in our local achool district. She really has a hard time writing because of her tremors. She is also visually imapired and has seizures. This could make one aspect of her life a little easier. How do you become a part of the trial? This is just amazing!!
I would love to give this to my Mom. This would be the perfect gift for her!!! Oh how I wish this was available for purchase.
Only like to say to Microsoft keep this project on a roll, I am ready as are I am sure thousands if not millions of other for this “Emma” watch to be available at a reasonable price,
I am desperate to try and buy the Emma Watch. Parkinson’s disease has robbed me of my independence and zest for life. I have terrible side effects from the medications and this could be the answer to my prayers. Please count on me for clinical trials. I only want to be able to do normal everyday things again that used to be second nature.
My Dad has essential tremors. We would love to get one for him if they are within reason. Please let us know when they will be available.
WHY would you “unveil” a prototype?
Is it ready yet?
Would like to purchase the watch, I’ have Essential Tremors, this would work great. Cost and where to but one or 2 of them.
My husband has Essential Tremor and would do anything to be rid of it. He’s incredibly frustrated as he is unable to do so many things because of it. He would love to trial it and buy it if it worked for him.
would this work on intention tremors for ms patients as well?
Could is also help someone with essential tremor?
I have watched my father suffer with Parkinson’s. I think this watch will help with his tremors and his self confidence. A sense of control, to be able to write again and maybe just to eat by himself.
Is there a way to be in a trial?
Or any idea when it will be avail to purchase?
Please don’t forget all of us who are waiting to resume some normalcy in our lives that this watch would bring. We’re hoping it comes available to us soon and would be affordable to the average person. I speak for all of us with some desperation.
I too would like to know when this watch will be available.
I have Parkinson’s and writing has become difficult.
I am wanting to be a pediatric oncologist. With tremors it’s near impossible but that’s my dream… this would give me a chance! Just please, i would love to try this! Sign me up for the clinical trials please! Hi, I️ heard about the emma watch and I have essential tremor and myoclonus dystonia. I’ve tried all the medicines, propanol, Carbidopa levodopa, Clonazepam. Daily life things are a struggle and if this could make a difference i would love to try it for you all and document it if you are in the testing stages with videos or even purchase one. I would love just a chance at a change of quality of life. I go to a neurologist at UAB. I can get them to send proof of essential tremor and dystonia if needed. This is a game changer! Cannot think you enough for making this Microsoft! You are changing lives!
It’s quite a tease seeing the product and not being able to purchase it. I hope it becomes available soon. This would be a remarkable asset for my husband. He is quite interested in being part of a test trial for the product. It would definitely build his self-confidence.
How soon will this be available for purchase? If not available, how do I become a test subject or member of a clinical trial to evaluate the product? Unable to write and great difficulty writing. Please help/respond!
Could this possibly help those that have nerve damage that causes their hands to shake. So hard for my husband to eat or work on anything due to the shaking. And his balance is so bad. He was in a motorcycle wreck in 2001. And many accidents in between then and now due to balance.
My Father too has Tremors, when will this watch be available? I am sure you are getting more and more requests for this and Micro Soft you do have the financial backing….DO THIS. You will be helping so many people. I am in the US and the Emma Video is going viral. Please make this happen to help so many people and Familys Thank you
I have had this tremor since I was a child and has got worst in my later years. I have had DBS surgery 3 times. The first surgery was 2009, 2013, and 2015 at Emory in Atlanta with minor results. I go to Emory every 3 months for programing my hand. This has now caused neuropathy in my hand because of the high voltage programing. When will the watch be available? I hope to see wonderful help for people in the future and thanks for everything!
I too suffer from Parkinson’s tremors. Please listen to all of these people begging for help with their tremors. If it doesn’t fit into a profitable business model please share the information with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. They can make it happen.
To Microsoft, and Bill Gates: Hundreds of thousANDS OF US WANT IT AND NEED IT.
wHERE ARE YOU, mICROSOFT? mONEY SHOULD BE NO OBJECT. Medical authorisation (no dangers) should be no object. If so, sell your patents (if any) or give them away to an entreprenure, foreign or offshore company who will proceed. Better yet, Bill Gates’ Foundation to bring it online. Then Microsoft can be a hero!
(Currently heading the other way fast!)
When will this be available?
I think that’s the question we all would like Microsoft to answer or at least inform where they are in the production process. When can we hope to be able to buy it? Thank you.
My wife suffers from Unilateral Dystonia.
Please notify me wen the watch is available.Thank you.
There seems to be complete silence from the developer on this. Why?
1. Are we talking months, years or decades until we see some form of product?
2. Are there patent disputes or other vested interests involved? Sort out or name and shame?
3. Was this a late and sick April fool?!
Ridiculous to build up people’s hopes like this.
Please let me know when it will be available and also the cost
When it is available?
I have Parkinson’s and would like have the watch to help my hand tremble , How long until it will be on the market?
I have PD and the tremors is the most debilitating problem I have. Ifear that this won’t happen within my lifetime! Come on Microsoft, Christmas is nearly here and it’s probably the only thing everyone on this post, including me, would want!
Please let me know when this “watch” becomes available. I would also be very willing to act as a tester.
Thank you
Please let me know when this “watch” becomes available.
I really need this “watch” for my Mom.
Thank you
My husband also really needs the watch. I assume it is still not in production?
My father in law has suffered from essential tremors for 4 decades. In the last 20years, he has not been able to write at all. He’s now 92. I hope he gets to wear the Emma watch one day and that will make him very very happy. Please hurry up with production.
My husband has PD.He has a tremor In his left hand.We have two children and he is the best husband and dad.He still works full time.He needs the Emma watch to be the best he can be!Can you please let us know as soon as it’s available.Are we talking weeks,years,or days away?Thank you so much
‘Unveiled’ in May 2017; last Microsoft reply on this stream in August 2017! Come on get a product released even with loads of legal qualifications on efficacy!! Lawyers and legal system get real!
Dear Bill (and Melissa) Gates: Where are you? YOUR Foundation? Microsoft? We Parkinsonians (the world) need(s) you.
The “(Microsoft?) Emma Watch” will be very profitable (priceless!) and you can share the proceeds with the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation, for even More Miracles!
Thank you!
I agree with Mark Hoffman. Mr Gates please put some of your empathy into practice as there are also millions of people suffering with essential tremor who would benefit if this EMMA WATCH
is GENUINE.
Any idea when this product will be available?. My brother has PD with severe shaking in both hands.
Dear Bill, Melinda, and the Gates Foundation,
Please Forgive me, Melinda. Absent-mindedly (Parkinson’s?) I referenced you by my niece “Melissa”‘s name. (February 12, 2018 comment).
All well meant: all of us need the “Emma/Melinda” Watch!!
Mark Hoffman
I am desperate to buy Emma Watch since I am suffering from Ataxia SCA 12 and has the same symptoms like vibration in hand:
1. Cant write and sign.
2. Eating food is also a problem due to vibrations in hand.
I hope this watch can help me lot in improving my daily life.
I will be very happy, if can be used in such development which can help millions of sufferers for trials on me.
C’mon, Microsoft! Where are you? ARE YOU GOING TO PRODUCE the watch?
1)If not, sell your patents/if any, or GIVE them to US! (Parkinson’s people, eg M.Fox.F, Parkinson’s UK, et al.)
2) If so, WHEN?! (Why don’t you sign us ALL up as volunteer trialists?
I don’t know who Tim Bossie answers to, but either Bossie’s Boss or “Boss-Bill” should be FIRED! Melinda/Foundation to the rescue?