A recent social media post featuring Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal sent the Indian internet into a frenzy of speculation. The focus wasn't on a new food delivery announcement, but on a curious, futuristic-looking device seemingly stuck to his face.
The Viral Image That Started It All
The buzz began when Goyal shared a picture of himself on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In the image, a sleek, black gadget was clearly visible on his right cheek, near the temple. This unusual sight immediately triggered a wave of guesses from his followers and tech enthusiasts. Theories ranged from it being a continuous health monitor tracking vital signs like glucose or blood pressure to a high-tech hearing aid or even a device for monitoring stress levels.
Some users humorously suggested it was a "new-age tika" or a gadget to measure the popularity of Zomato's new vegetarian-only fleet, "Pure Veg Mode." The mystery deepened as no official explanation was immediately offered.
Unmasking the Mystery: A Simple Sleep Tracker
The intrigue was short-lived. Deepinder Goyal himself soon clarified the purpose of the device, putting all speculation to rest. He revealed that the gadget was not a cutting-edge medical monitor but a sleep tracking sensor from the fitness and wellness company, Whoop.
Specifically, Goyal was using the Whoop 4.0 device. While Whoop is popularly known for its wearable fitness bands that track metrics like heart rate, strain, and recovery, the company also offers a "Whoop Body" line of accessories. The device on Goyal's face was the Whoop Body Sports Bra or a similar adhesive sensor, which can be worn on various parts of the body for more specific data.
In this case, wearing it on the face or head is an effective method for monitoring sleep stages—including light, deep, and REM sleep—with high accuracy. The sensor adheres to the skin to collect physiological data throughout the night.
Broader Context: The Wearable Tech Trend
This incident highlights the growing trend of biometric tracking and the personal optimization movement among executives and entrepreneurs. Devices from companies like Whoop, Oura (known for its smart ring), and Apple Watch have become commonplace tools for those seeking to quantify their health, sleep quality, and overall recovery.
Goyal's post also coincided with his recent reveal of wearing an Oura Ring, another popular sleep and activity tracker. His openness about using these tools reflects a broader shift towards data-driven personal wellness, even at the highest levels of corporate leadership. The episode demonstrates how a simple personal health gadget can become a topic of national curiosity when spotted on a high-profile figure like the founder of a company as ubiquitous as Zomato.
Ultimately, the device on Deepinder Goyal's face was a reminder of the pervasive role of wearable technology in modern life. What seemed like a sci-fi health monitor was, in fact, a practical tool for achieving a fundamental human need: better sleep.