Wearable Technology
What is Wearable Technology ?
Wearable technology is a category of electronic
devices that can be worn as accessories,
embedded in clothing, implanted in the user's
body, or even tattooed on the skin. The devices
are hands-free gadgets with practical uses,
powered by microprocessors and enhanced with
the ability to send and receive data via the
Internet.
How Wearable Technology works?
Wearable technology can be said to have existed since eyeglasses were first
developed in the 13th century. Timepieces small enough to be worn have
been around since about 1500. But modern wearable technology is defined as
incorporating a microprocessor and an internet connection.
The growth of mobile networks enabled the development of wearable
technology. Fitness activity trackers were the first big wave of wearable
technology to catch on with consumers. Then, the wristwatch became a
screen and more robust mobile applications were added. Bluetooth headsets,
smartwatches, and web-enabled glasses all allow people to receive data from
Wi-Fi networks. The gaming industry adds more wearables, with virtual reality
and augmented reality headsets.
Examples of Wearable Technology
Google
Glass
IPhone
Watch
JawBone UP
Samsung Gear 2
Fitbit Flex
Get Active Slim
LECHAL GPS SHOES
FIN RING
Advantages of Wearable of Technology
Staying Connected
Wearables can alert you of messages, incoming calls, emails, and much more
without having to constantly be checking your phone. It can help you locate
your phone when it is lost, or even connect to IoT enables devices in your
home (such as switching on the lights or controlling the a/c temperature).
The possibilities for increased convenience and connectivity with wearables
are endless.
Data Accuracy
Wearables enable convenient tracking of your data, health, and exercise
habits for your overall well-being. This is bound to result in a healthier you,
but many health insurance companies are also starting to offer added benefits
for those who wear fitness trackers and health monitors. Moreover, employees
with higher-risk roles, such as firefighters, mining, oil & gas employees, and
others are now able to wear devices that can detect oncoming dangers, such
as heart attacks or falls, and immediately send this data to an outside
manager or technical specialist for assistance.
Efficiency
Wearable are set to make our lives safer and more
efficient. For example – staff in packaging warehouses can
now wear wearables that will assist in streamlining their
packaging duties and tracking goods that are being
transported, or wear GPS tags that can automatically tell
them the most efficient route. Or, imagine that
pacemakers, detectors, and other medical wearable
devices can simply be connected through the internet to
alter proper response teams when an accident or
something dangerous has occurred.
DISADVANTAGES OF WEARABLE TECH:
Price
Wearables may seem cool to most, but the majority of
studies are showing that consumers, for the most part,
still find wearable technology to be too expensive. From
$349 for the Apple Watch, $249 for a pair of wireless
earbuds, $300 for a connected shirt, bracelet…and so on,
indeed the cost of purchasing wearable technology seems
to be more of a luxury rather than a necessity (for now).
Battery
Nothing is more frustrating than heading out for your jog and…oops!
You forgot to charge your smartwatch or your earbuds. Battery life is
a critical issue when it comes to wearables hitting the mass markets
because the majority of wearable batteries do not last a sufficient
amount of time, and still need to be charged on an almost near-daily
basis. It is also one of the most frustrating aspects for wearable
developers because battery life does not develop at the same rate as
other technologies. Remembering to charge your smartphone every
day is a hassle as it is….now try remember to charge everything else
as well!
Charging Mechanism
Wearable tech is getting smaller and more
complex…and so are the charging mechanisms. As
such, consumers simply cannot be expected to
fiddle with tiny gadgets and multiple cords if they
are to wholly integrate wearables into their
everyday lives. Think about how complicated it is
for an elderly person to fiddle with a hearing aid
on a daily basis, or for a professional runner to
plug in multiple pieces of tiny wearable sensors –
each into its own charger.
