Archives

May - August 2006

Homedics iCush
Lots of reviews for the new Homedics iCush, a a portable massage cushion made to vibrate in time with your video games, movies, or music.

Here's Gearlog:

Imagine playing Halo, and feeling the sudden jolt of a bullet impact... or running downfield in Madden 07, and feeling your body rock as a linebacker plows into you... or playing Call of Duty, and experiencing the rumble of a nearby grenade explosion. HoMedics, maker of numerous massage products (cushions and mats, people!) claims the new iCush can make these experiences a reality.

And Macworld:

Gaming seats are nothing new, but Homemedics has found a unique twist with its new iCush, a $119 “immersive audio sync seat” that features speakers, built-in massage and heating.

Designed to work as a cushion in tandem with another chair or seat, the iCush-100 touts dual aluminum-cone speakers that pivot on adjustable arms.

What’s more, the iCush-100 has built-in massage functions, similar to other Homedics chair cushion products. But rather than just giving you a basic back massage, you can also set the the iCush-100 to ‘Audio Sync’ mode, where it will vibrate in response to audio input, such as music, audio from movies or games. You can hook it up to an iPod or any other device that has a 3.5 mm headphone jack output, including the Mac.
August 29th, 2006

The Small Indulgence Offered by a Massage Chair
"The fastest growing vendor franchise of 2006," claims a press release from the massage chair business The Back Rubber.

People are drawn to the Back Rubber for a wide range of reasons. It is close to the perfect home business opportunity. Entrepreneurs can realize high profit margins with little overhead and the ability to start small and grow their franchise at their own pace. Some may find that rapid growth is desirable. Others will be able to start small and grow slowly. Pace is up to each entrepreneur.

Vending is an inherently smart choice for people venturing into their own business. The industry is growing rapidly and is nearly recession-proof. The Back Rubber franchise is an excellent bet. People will always look to the relief contained in the small indulgence offered by a massage chair.
July 19th, 2006

Interactive Health's New High-Tech Chair
Interactive Health has announced a new massage chair, called Ultimate Human Touch, HT-1650. The company claims it to be its most technologically advanced chair.

According to Furniture World magazine:

The HT-1650 locates pressure points to deliver a healing and individualized back rub, mimics the feel of human hands massaging the back, and has a multitude of cutting-edge options. “The HT-1650 is the ultimate in elegance, technology, and healthy living. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your mind and body, while adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of your home,” says Craig P. Womack, CEO of Interactive Health.

...The HT-1650 is made with top grain, uncorrected, Aniline dyed leather, double-tip stitching, polished solid oak accents, and a host of state-of-the-art features. The HT-1650 combines both comfort and effectiveness.

...Interactive Health’s multi-patent pending mechanism acts like wrists, hands, and arms to articulate techniques used by massage therapists – it is the most life-like technology on the market.

Acupoint Detection System – This feature uses an electro/optical detection system to find acupressure points. A computerized massage system then targets these areas to relieve tension and discomfort.

...Seven intensity levels let you adjust massage pressure ranging from gentle to invigorating.
July 13th, 2006

Not Just Any Kind Of Massage
How can competitive shooters relax? One couple believe they have the answer - massage chairs.

Enter [Bill] O'Neill and his wife Eileen, who are making their first appearance at this year's 115th State Shoot, with a product that could provide the relief the shooters are seeking.

The O'Neills' tent offers an array of Shiatsu Therapeutic Massage Recliners that are the most advanced massage chairs in the world and can provide relief from a variety of symptoms that include back ache, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, poor circulation, stress, sore muscles, aches and pains, and even tired feet.

"These guys are big on mental concentration, and what better way to provide some relief prior to or after shooting than a massage," O'Neill said. "And not just any kind of massage, but one that is personalized and suited towards your particular needs."
June 15th, 2006

Massage Chairs in Freefall
I thought massage chairs were a booming business. So how come retailer Sharper Image seems to keep reporting lower profits, and blaming it on poor massage chair sales?

According to MSNBC:

The company has slashed overhead costs and advertising and capital expenditures on the costs side, while introducing new products to replace the diminished revenues being generated by the company's Ionic Breeze air purifiers and massage chair lines.

Sales from those two product lines have been in freefall for months now, down 15% in the last six months, while the cost of goods sold has barely budged. As a result, Sharper Image's gross margins have deteriorated steadily over the past several quarters.

You can read more at Business Week.
June 8th, 2006

The Inflatable Massage Chair
This isn't new, but I hadn't heard of it - an inflatable massage chair. Popgadget ("personal tech for women") reports:

My hesitation with furniture ownership went right out the window when I came upon this Inflatable Massage Chair. Who needs to worry about making a commitment or having no place for any furniture? I can switch back and forth on which chair or bed I like best every week! This massage chair has 6 massage pads and even comes with speakers which you can hook up to your stereo or MP3 player. The chair retails for approximately $200 in the US. In addition to massage chairs, the company also makes inflatable beds, even castles!

You can read a little (a very little) more at the Well Done Incorporation website.
May 22nd, 2006