Cardiio for the iPhone uses the front-facing cam to measure your heart rate
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Based on MIT technology for measuring the light reflectance off your face, Cardiio for the iPhone is capable of measuring your heart rate as if with a standalone meter within +/- 3 beats per minute error.
Not that the EMT's iPhones will replace their medical devices, but it is certainly helpful for quick checkups. Not in the gym if your cardio machine doesn't have this function, though, since the app serves best results at rest and in a well-lit environment.
Of course, there are a number of complex algorithms calculating on the backend, but the final result is a real approximation of your current heart rate within a very acceptable margin of error, compared to your everyday blood pressure and heart rate monitor.
Cardiio takes advantage of the blood vessels expanding with every heart pump, which in turn diminishes the light reflectance ratio off your face. It sports a very polished interface, and is available to try out in the App Store right now for $4.99 of your hard-earned cash.
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