Kopa Studio launches POIS, an iPhone app that uses AirPods motion data for head-position reminders

Kopa Studio has released POIS, an iPhone app that uses motion data from compatible Apple AirPods and Beats headphones to send audio reminders when a user's head stays tilted downward. The app is now available on the App Store and is aimed at personal awareness during desk work, studying and walking.

Why it matters: - POIS shows how consumer headphone sensors can be used for more than audio playback. - The app turns head-motion data into a reminder system for users who want awareness during desk work, studying and walking. - Kopa Studio says the app is for personal awareness, not medical use.

What happened: - Independent European developer Kopa Studio released POIS, an iPhone app that uses motion data from compatible Apple AirPods and Beats headphones. - The app sends audio reminders when a user's head remains tilted downward for an extended period. - POIS is available on the Apple App Store for iPhone devices running iOS 18 or later. - The app is a free download with optional subscription plans.

The details: - POIS uses head-tracking capabilities available through Apple's Core Motion framework. - The same motion-sensing technology supports head-tracked Spatial Audio on compatible headphones. - Users start a session by looking forward naturally while wearing supported headphones. - POIS then monitors head orientation relative to that reference position. - When the app detects sustained downward head tilt, it plays a brief audio cue through the headphones. - The detection system is designed to ignore short movements, such as briefly checking a phone or looking at an object. - Sessions can continue while the iPhone is locked if the headphone connection stays active. - Users can keep listening to music or other audio during a session. - POIS processes head-motion data on the iPhone and does not use a camera to determine head orientation. - The interface shows session duration instead of a posture score. - POIS supports seven languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese and Arabic. - Compatible headphones include AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods third generation and newer, and Beats Fit Pro. - The app requires headphones that support head-motion tracking. - Additional technical information, compatibility requirements and product documentation are available in the product website.

Between the lines: - POIS uses motion sensors already built into consumer headphones for a use case outside their standard audio functions. - Head-tracking data shows headphone orientation and movement, but it does not directly measure spinal alignment, shoulder position or other posture-related body features. - Development testing has included desk work, walking and listening to music. - Kopa Studio continues to evaluate how the app responds to movement in different environments. - The company says POIS is not a medical device and has not been clinically validated. - The app does not diagnose, treat or prevent musculoskeletal conditions. - Its reminders should not be interpreted as medical recommendations.

What's next: - Kopa Studio is continuing to test how POIS performs across different environments. - The developer is also maintaining product documentation and compatibility information on the company website. - Press information is available through the press page.

The bottom line: - POIS repurposes AirPods and Beats motion sensors into a simple head-position reminder tool, with the company positioning it as a convenience and awareness app rather than a health product.