No need to Scotch-tape electrodes to your brain: The age of DIY human enhancement is over. For a while now, transhumanism-curious A-listers, elite athletes and deep-pocketed Silicon Valley futurists have poured serious money into the quest for eternal life, or something like it. The tech-assisted pursuit of longevity has taken the wellness arena by storm, ushering in a flood of investments in the science of wearable and home devices that purportedly help to upgrade sleep and vitality, cultivate deep relaxation and mental clarity, and combat anxiety and inflammation.
Some of the latest gadgets seem teleported from the land of sci-fi. Stash the sleeping pills and strap on an EEG headband that emits acoustic stimulation aligned with brainwaves to steer sleep. Slide into a $160,000 Ammortal Chamber with a NASA-inspired design that packs 10 wellness modalities, including red lights, music, vibration and molecular hydrogen inhalation, into one session. Accessorize with earrings that track vitals with biometric sensors. Or make like LeBron James and slip on Nike x Hyperice high-tops with built-in massage and heat for the ultimate warm-up. But be warned: Eternal life does not come cheap.
NIKE X HYPERICE HYPERBOOT
Released May 17 after previewing to athletes during the 2024 Olympics, the high-tech high-top has been touted by LeBron James on his Instagram Stories. The sneaker comes with three levels of built-in air compression massage and heat for a pregame warm-up, postgame cool-down or on-the-go relaxation booster any time; $899 at hyperice.com
Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot
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ELEMIND’S SLEEP HEADBAND
This uses state-of-the-art neurotechnology — in the form of acoustic stimulation that shifts brainwaves from wakeful to restful states — to help users get to sleep faster. Deepak Chopra, Richard Branson and Taylor Swift personal trainer Kirk Myers are early adopters of the device developed by MIT researchers; $349 includes a six-month app subscription to track sleep data, elemindtech.com
Elemind’s Sleep Headband
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APOLLO 2.0
Developed by neuroscientists and physicians, the wellness device (worn either as a bracelet or a necklace) emits soothing vibrations that engage with the vagus nerve to activate a natural relaxation response that decreases stress and improves sleep. Launched in 2020, the device has a following that includes biohackers Dave Asprey, brain coach to the stars Jim Kwik, wellness podcaster/entrepreneur Aubrey Marcus and wellness expert/personal trainer Ben Greenfield. An enhanced Apollo 2.0, with smoother vibrations and a sleek design, will debut in January. The original model is $349; at apolloneuro.com
Apollo 2.0
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AMMORTAL CHAMBER
The wellness pod combines red light, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), molecular hydrogen inhalation, sound and vibration therapies to induce relaxation and cellular regeneration while reducing inflammation. Guided meditation or breathwork can also be dialed into a session. Users include Shark Tank‘s Daymond John (who calls it “the future of wellness”), Siri CEO and co-founder Dag Kittlaus and functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole, who has worked with Gwyneth Paltrow; $159,500 at ammortal.com, or try a session ($145 for 60 minutes) at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel Recovery Suite.
Ammortal Chamber
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INCORA SMART EARRINGS
Set for an October release, Incora’s 18-karat gold and titanium smart earrings use sensors to tap into women’s health metrics, analyzed based on hormonal and menstrual cycle shifts. The resulting data can help optimize sleep, workouts, recovery, fertility and more. The wait list boasts A-list actresses, an Olympic gold medalist, name fashion designers and up-and-coming WNBA stars; price to be determined, incorahealth.com
Incora smart earrings
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OZLO SLEEPBUDS
Created by onetime Bose engineers, the comfy, Gwyneth Paltrow-beloved buds feature premium noise cancellation and a private in-ear alarm, while biometric sensors will pause Bluetooth streaming the minute you doze off. Soon, the charging case will detect temperature, light and sound levels in the room to optimize the sleep environment in a daily report alongside sleep tracking data; $349 or $26 per month to rent at ozlosleep.com
Ozlo Sleepbuds
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HIGHERDOSE MICROCURRENT BODY SCULPTOR
Out soon from Higherdose, this offers a digitized version of the traditional Chinese gua sha massage with a tool that combines microcurrents with a mix of red and near-infrared light. This combination purportedly amps up lymphatic drainage and blood circulation while stimulating muscles for firmer, more radiant skin. Molly Sims, Madelyn Cline, Paltrow, Kristin Davis and Courteney Cox have recently used the brand’s products; available for preorder for $399 (including activator gel and transdermal magnesium spray for enhanced results) at higherdose.com
Higherdose Microcurrent Body Sculptor
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THE WINDMILL AIR PURIFIER
A laser-based sensor offers real-time monitoring of air quality, with high-performance, medical-grade HEPA filters that eliminate 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants and a quiet, energy-efficient motor. Air quality affects focus, sleep, allergy symptoms and skin health. This is also the rare good-looking air purifier, with a bamboo finish and a sleek design that has made fans (sorry) of Jenna Dewan and Lili Reinhart; $349 at windmillair.com
The Windmill Air Purifier
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SUNLIGHTEN’S RED LIGHT THERAPY PANEL
Skin-rejuvenating red and near-infrared lights embedded on a eucalyptus wood frame are said to fight inflammation, increase energy, aid sleep, hasten muscle recovery, reduce cellulite and boost immunity when users sit in front of it. Used by Paris Hilton and LeAnn Rimes; $1,599 at shop-us.sunlighten.com
Sunlighten’s Red Light Therapy Panel
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THERABODY SMART GOGGLES GEN 2
Therabody’s latest SmartGoggles boast a better-fitting 100 percent blackout band with eye and temple compression massage, plus low heat and biometric sensor-driven vibration to reduce anxiety and headaches while improving sleep quality. Company investors include such well-rested stars as Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Daniel Craig; $220 at therabody.com
Therabody smart goggles gen 2
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This story appeared in the June 4 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.