Acer launches 'smart prayer beads' for Buddhists

Taiwanese hardware company Acer has launched a new product aimed at helping devout Buddhists say their prayers. Acer's Leap Beads, effectively smart prayer beads, help practising Buddhists count the number of times they have chanted their mantra with a chip tracking how often the mala has been rotated through their hands. One complete turn marks one mantra, with the results displayed on the user's smartphone once the chip has been synched to their device. "The intent is to help people concentrate on the mantra versus being distracted by counting the times the mantra is recited," the company said. The beads will initially only be made available for sale in Taiwan - priced at 3,888 Taiwanese dollars (£95.80) - but could be rolled out to other countries if they prove popular.