Breathometer introduces smartphone breathalyzer - latimes.com The Breathometer device plugs into a smartphone and tests a user's blood-alcohol concentration. Breathometer March 13, 2013, 9:35 a.m. There's a new device you might not want to blow off. Breathometer began taking pre-orders Wednesday for its keychain-sized breathalyzer device that plugs into a smartphone and tests a user's blood-alcohol concentration level. The Breathometer, which works in conjunction with a smartphone app, is taking reservations on Indiegogo. The Burlingame, Calif., company plans to begin shipping the device this summer if it can raise $25,000. Breathometer says it hopes the device and app will help users drink responsibly. The device plugs into a phone's headphone jack and, once the app is launched, users blow into the device. "Breathometer wasn't created just to address the risks associated with drinking and driving," founder and Chief Executive Michael Yim said, "but to help people, their friends and family, all to make smart and safer choices when consuming alcohol. Real-time BAC measurement is the first step. The Breathometer is "as accurate as other consumer breathalyzers on the market," the company said. It is compatible with iPhone and Android-powered smartphones. The company plans to add a service that connects users with local transportation options such as taxis if they need a ride home. Customers have a range of contribution options on the Indiegogo campaign. For $20, they can get a Breathometer device with an expected January 2014 ship date; higher contributions garner earlier ship dates and color choices. For $500, customers will receive a lifetime membership that includes first production devices every time the company creates a new product, a T-shirt and two tickets to the company's launch party featuring LMFAO in San Francisco. AAA says smartphones may soon replace traditional car keys