Researchers hone new AI method to track 'smart' vapes with digital screens

AI Summary

Researchers have developed a new AI method to monitor advanced e-cigarettes or 'smart vapes' that feature digital screens, games, and Bluetooth connectivity. These novel vaping devices complicate current surveillance methods due to their evolving design and online marketing.

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, an addictive substance. These devices are continually changing, with new flavors, novel device designs and digital screens. Some of these e-cigarettes—sometimes called "smart vapes"—include built-in games and Bluetooth connectivity that have the potential to gamify the use of nicotine. Many of these devices are marketed online but cannot be easily monitored with existing data sources and methods.