Nothing's more soul-sucking than being stuck behind a computer all day, but a new gadget aims to bring the "wellness benefits of sunlight indoors." It's called the SunBooster, from Amsterdam-based SunLED Life Science, and I got to check it out at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.Â
The device resembles a webcam that you attach to the top of your monitor or laptop, and plug in via a USB-C connection. As you hack away at your work, the SunBooster projects near-infrared light toward your face and neck, which is designed to stimulate energy production in your cells and help uplift your mood, according to the company.Â
The SunBooster is rolling out in certain regions.
I didn't get the chance to verify those claims as I hopped around the busy MWC conference hall -- for once I wasn't sitting in front of a computer. But if the SunBooster is effective, it could help anyone who either doesn't have time to get their daily dose of sun during a busy workday, or who lives in an area where there isn't much light during certain seasons.Â
Despite living in sunny California, there are many workdays I don't get the chance to step outside and enjoy the sunshine, and I can definitely feel the difference in my mood. I'm curious if a product like this could help mitigate that, though I'm not sure there's any true replacement for the soul-satisfying, old-fashioned walk around the block.Â
The SunBooster (left) will track your near-infrared light exposure. On the right is a standard webcam for this demonstration.Â
The SunBooster is already available in the Netherlands. It launches in the Nordics in March and in the US in April, where it'll cost $249. It'll come to the UK, France and Germany in the coming months.Â