Victor Hernandez discusses wearables at MobileMe conference
Victor Hernandez, a CNN veteran and current director of media innovation at Banjo — an application and website that lets user experience breaking news and live events in real time — came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and presented at the Mobile Me & You event on the topic of “Programming for Wearables (mainly the Apple Watch)”.
Hernandez started off gauging the room and asked how many people are currently using wearable technology. In a room of about over thirty attendees, only about six people raised their hand — which Hernandez thought was consistent with current trends.
Continuing, Hernandez discussed certain key attributes that make up these wearable technologies. Things like the sensors in fitness bands, the minimal notifications from the Apple Watch and others. Next in his presentation came the stats.
The wearable is still in it’s infancy and the ratio of every smartphone shipment to smartwatch is currently at around 500 to 1. Hernandez predicts that within five years it’s expected to be twenty phones to one watch. Also citing BBC News Labs, they believe that by 2018 wearable tech will become part of standard equipment issued to its reporters.
Hernandez also spoke about his article on how Apple needs to proceed if they want to take their wearable device from ‘novelty to necessity.’ The article can be read here. Smartphones are able to meet almost our every need and wearable technology still has a long road ahead if it wants to catch up.
Speaking more about the potentials of the Apple Watch, Hernandez talked about the many challenges the wearable faces as it continues to be worked and improved upon.
One challenge is the tiny screen. Many apps aren’t doing enough to utilize the screen on the device and are just using the same styles they use on a phone screen. An example of a good watch app was Dark Sky, a weather app.
One challenge is the tiny screen. Many apps aren’t doing enough to utilize the screen on the device and are just using the same styles they use on a phone screen. An example of a good watch app was “Dark Sky”, a weather app.
He also predicts that Apple will eventually lower the price of the Apple Watch, a new version will be announced next fall and news/media outlets will begin to create unique wearable apps.
For more on the presentation check out Hernandez’s slide presentation here.
