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TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 11, 2023--

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Sensors in smartphones may be able to detect how drunk a person is based on changes in their voice, according to a small study. Following experiments involving 18 adults aged 21 and above, scientists said they were able to predict a person’s level of intoxication with 98% accuracy based on an analysis of their voice patterns. Brian Suffoletto, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Stanford University in the US, said the accuracy of the findings of his research “genuinely took me by surprise”. He added: “While we aren’t pioneers in highlighting the changes in speech characteristics during alcohol intoxication, I firmly believe our superior accuracy stems from our application of cutting-edge advancements in signal processing, acoustic analysis, and machine learning.” While Prof Suffoletto said larger studies are needed to confirm the validity of the findings, he added his work has the potential to deliver “just-in-time interventions” to prevent alcohol-related road injuries and deaths in the future. Prof Suffoletto said: “Imagine if we had a tool capable of passively sampling data from an individual as they went about their daily routines and survey for changes that could indicate a drinking episode to know when they need help.” Imagine if we had a tool capable of passively sampling data from an individual as they went about their daily routines and survey for changes that could indicate a drinking episode to know when they need help Prof Brian Suffoletto For the research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, the scientists tailored alcohol doses based on the body weight of each person taking part and were given an hour to finish their drink. Each individual was randomly given a series of tongue twisters to read out loud and a smartphone was used to record their voices. Recordings were made before drinking, and each hour up to seven hours after drinking. The researchers also measured each person’s breath alcohol levels at the beginning of the study and every 30 minutes for up to seven hours. Using digital programmes, the researchers were able isolate the speaker’s voices and analyse measures such as frequency and pitch in one-second increments. When checked against breath alcohol results, the researchers found that the model they developed was a good predictor of how drunk a person was – with 98% accuracy. Prof Suffoletto believes that other behaviours such as gait and texting could be combined with voice pattern sensors to gauge intoxication levels. He said: “Timing is paramount when targeting the optimal moment for receptivity and the relevance of real-time support. “For instance, as someone initiates drinking, a reminder of their consumption limits can be impactful. “However, once they’re significantly intoxicated, the efficacy of such interventions diminishes.” Read More Ireland and Apple await major development in long-running EU tax dispute Guidance urges parents not to buy smartphones for primary school children William ‘blown away’ by futuristic technology from Singapore start-ups Return of original Fortnite map causes record traffic on Virgin Media O2 network NatWest creates new AI-powered chatbot capable of ‘human-like’ conversations Succession star Sarah Snook says AI use in film industry needs ‘stringent rules’

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Users of iPhones in the UK can now check their bank balance from within the Apple Wallet app for the first time. The new feature allows users to connect their credit and debit cards already stored in the Wallet app to their online accounts so they can see their up-to-date balance and other information without having to go to their dedicated banking app. The information will be accessible in the Wallet app, but will also appear when a user makes a purchase via Apple Pay online or in the app. Apple said the new feature could help users make more informed purchases and get quick, simple access to see key information about their finances to help with budgeting. We look forward to working with UK partners under the Open Banking initiative to help users better their financial health Jennifer Bailey, Apple Wallet Apple Wallet is an app where consumers can store virtual versions of their bank cards for use in contactless payments. iPhone users running the latest versions of iOS 17.1 will have access to the technology. The tech giant said the new feature had been built with privacy and security in mind and highlighted that before it is enabled users must authenticate through their financial provider’s website or app and consent to connect their accounts to their cards in the Wallet app. Apple also confirmed that all user account balance information, transaction history and other account details are stored on device and not on Apple servers. Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said: “By enabling users to conveniently access their most useful account information within Wallet and at the time of their purchase, they can make informed financial decisions and better understand and manage their spend. “We look forward to working with UK partners under the Open Banking initiative to help users better their financial health, and provide more ways in which banks can deepen their relationships with customers.” The feature has been enabled by the Open Banking initiative, Apple said, and confirmed that Barclays, Barclaycard, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, M&S Bank, Monzo, NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland had signed up to enable the feature in the UK. Read More VR tool aims to help rail passengers spot and safely tackle sexual harassment Ring to preview security features with abuse charity to boost safety TikTok launches feature to save songs to music apps like Spotify

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