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DrinkMate is a breathalyser that fits on your key ring

Joe Svetlik By Joe Svetlik
Drinking and driving is a definite no-no, but if you want to see how close you are to the legal drink drive limit, this little device could come in handy.

It’s called DrinkMate, and it’s a breathalyser that clips on your key ring. Hence it’s small enough to take with you everywhere you go.

It’s powered by your Android smartphone. Plug it into your handset’s microUSB port, and it’ll draw power. But don’t worry about running down your battery – it only takes seven seconds to warm up.

Blow into it, and a fraction of a second later it’ll analyse your blood alcohol level (BAC) within plus or minus 0.01 per cent. It’ll display this on-screen using the companion app. If you’re under the limit, a thumbs up icon will appear, telling you you’re good to go. Over the limit? It’s thumbs down we’re afraid, and it’s either the bus or a cab for you.

The app will also walk you through how to use DrinkMate, and common issues to avoid, such as blowing too hard or using it too soon after having a drink.

It’s already surpassed its funding goal of $40,000, and should be shipped by December 1 – just in time for Christmas party season. If you want to pledge your support, head over to the Kickstarter page and chip in. Pledge $3,000 or more, and you’ll be flown out to the US to meet the team behind DrinkMate. Though you can pledge a lot less than that, obviously.

DrinkMate is Android-only at the moment, but an iOS version will follow hot on the heels.

Joe Svetlik
By Joe Svetlik

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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

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Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

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Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.