Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has responded to public criticism regarding the high price tag and scientific claims of his new wearable device, Temple. Priced at Rs 85,000 (approximately $1,000 USD), the device has drawn scrutiny, particularly concerning its positioning and purported health benefits.
Temple Targets Global Market, Not Just India
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Goyal clarified that Temple was designed for a global audience, stating, "Temple is not made for India. It’s made for the world. Please check pricing. We don’t expect any more than 1% of Temples being sold in India." He acknowledged concerns about the pricing but maintained that the device is valued based on the extensive work involved in its development.
Goyal also urged potential customers not to support the venture simply because it is an Indian startup. "Please do not support us because we are an Indian startup. We want to compete globally. We don’t need/want nationalist support," he wrote, advocating for support based on innovation that could improve lives.
Strictly a Fitness + AI Device, No Medical Claims
A significant point of contention has been Temple's scientific validity, especially regarding its ability to monitor changes in blood flow to the brain, a feature dubbed "Brain Flow." Medical professionals have questioned the evidence behind these claims. Goyal firmly rejected any medical assertions.
"We didn’t make any medical claim. Doctors primarily see things from a medical lens, so they see every claim as a medical claim. I repeat – Temple is strictly a fitness + AI device, and we've made no medical claims. Temple is not proven to diagnose or prevent any disease. It doesn't do anything which replaces the need for you to see a doctor."
On the matter of scientific proof, Goyal stated that buyers could choose to wait for peer-reviewed research, but that "nobody is forcing you to buy" before such evidence is available. He assured that the company would comply with all necessary regulatory clearances before making any claims requiring them.
Entropy, Not Brain Flow, is Temple's Main Focus
Goyal further clarified that while "Brain Flow" was an initial point of discussion, the core feature of Temple is "Entropy," a proprietary metric for measuring physiological strain. He noted that information on Entropy has been shared with waitlisted users, and more details would be published soon.
He also addressed the development of "Roomdeaf AI" as an expansion of the device's capabilities, not a change in direction for the product. Goyal concluded by promising a detailed note explaining the calculation, uses, and limitations of "Brain Flow."