WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Any technology that is intended to be used while worn is considered wearable technology. Wearable tech is commonly associated with smartwatches and smart glasses. Wearable electronics are frequently placed next to or on the skin’s surface, where they gather, process, and send data such as environmental information and/or vital signs. In certain situations, these devices also enable the wearer to receive immediate biofeedback.
Activity trackers and other wearable devices are examples of the “Internet of Things” because they are effectors that allow objects to exchange data (including data quality) with a manufacturer, operator, and/or other connected devices over the Internet without the need for human intervention. “Things” include electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity. Although wearable technology has many potential applications, including communication, entertainment, and enhancing physical and mental well-being, concerns over security and privacy have arisen due to the devices’ capacity to gather personal data.
1German inventor Peter Henlein (1485–1542) created little watches that were worn as necklaces in the 1500s.
2A century later, pocket watches grew in popularity as waistcoats became fashionable for men
3Wristwatches were created in the late 1600s but were worn mostly by women as bracelets
4In the late 1800s, the first wearable hearing aids were introduced
5In 1904, aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont pioneered the modern use of the wristwatch
6In the 1970s, calculator watches became available, reaching the peak of their popularity in the 1980s
7Early 2000s, wearable cameras were being used as part of a growing surveillance movement. Expectations, operations, usage, and concerns about wearable technology were floated at the first International Conference on Wearable Computing
8In 2008, Ilya Fridman created a set of earrings with a hidden Bluetooth microphone
9In 2010, Fitbit released its first step counter. Wearable technology which tracks information such as walking and heart rate is part of quantified self-movement
10In 2013, McLear, also known as NFC Ring, released the first widely used advanced wearable device. The smart ring could pay with Bitcoin, unlock other devices, transfer personally identifying information and other features. In the same year, one of the first widely available smartwatches was the Samsung Galaxy Gear. Apple followed in 2015 with the Apple Watch
FUTURE OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Over the past few years, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR/AR headsets have become more and more common in our society. Since wearables are expected to become more and more popular, businesses are inevitably coming up with creative new methods to incorporate them into our daily lives.
A handful of the many paths that wearable manufacturing could go are listed below.
1LOWER VISIBILITY
Wearables will likely become less noticeable as their use and popularity increase. Devices may wind up looking more like jewelry or apparel than like a fitness band or clip-on tracker. They might even take the form of a strap or patch to conceal them from view.
2LONGER BATTERY LIFE
The battery life of many wearables available today is somewhat low, especially for those who need a lot of computing power and Internet access. That’s why some developers are investigating different ways to get batteries. Energy harvesting is a widely used technique that may be utilized to generate power from various sources such as movement, solar energy, and body heat. It would be revolutionary if wearables adopted this standard. Customers wouldn’t have to deal with the inconvenience of needing to constantly recharge their batteries or worry about them dying at inappropriate times. In the future, wearable technology may see even more popularity if these issues are resolved.
3MEDICAL WEARABLES
Many of the well-known wearables available today, such as Fitbit and the Apple Watch, are designed to help you get healthier and more physically fit. However, a lot of businesses are going one step further and investigating wearable technology that can detect and address medical issues. To go one step further, wearables that can be implanted beneath the skin are being explored by the medical industry. Users will be able to monitor any kind of medical activity, which is something that most people are currently unable to do. Blood analysis, medication side effects, and several other vitals may be included in this. Although it might take some time for this kind of technology to become widely available, it has the power to significantly impact many people’s lives.
4AUTHENTICATION
Wearables also seem to be headed in the direction of authentication as a means of doing things like unlocking your home, getting into concerts, and even buying things at the store without having to go through the checkout process. Disney currently uses a wearable in its parks called the MagicBand that gives customers access to rides, their hotel rooms, and other features.
From basic gadgets to sophisticated tools that improve our lives in many ways, wearable technology has come a long way. It’s critical to keep up with technological advancements and to welcome new ideas that have the potential to enhance our health and well-being
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