What is Wearable Technology? Examples of Wearable Devices

Wearable Technology is defined as the small electronic devices (with micro-controllers) that are wearables, tech fashion, for style, etc., in nature.

For example, smartwatches, smart glasses, etc. These are worn close to the surface of the skin. They analyse, detect, and transmit body signals like vital signs and pulse rate.

Wearable technology includes several different devices that can help measure your heart rate, exercise duration, the efficiency of your workouts, and many other aspects of your fitness. Most fitness trackers are meant to be worn around your wrist or ankle. Some other devices can be worn around the neck or head.

Wearable Technology also consists of activity trackers, an example of the IoT (Internet of Things), as well as electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity that enables objects to exchange data through the internet with a manufacturer, operator, and other connected devices without the involvement of human intervention.

Some of the wearable technologies that are currently trending in the market are :

Fitness Trackers: This wearable technology helps monitor the number of steps you take, your average heart rate, how long you sleep, and more. Wearable fitness trackers allow users to observe trends and patterns in their activity. Fitbit and Misfit fitness trackers, among the most widely-known brands of fitness trackers, allow people to monitor notifications quickly. Wearable technologies offer convenient ways of viewing notifications quickly on smartphones: for emails, texts, and calls, they don’t like viewing them again and again on a phone screen, like emails and calls are displayed again and again on phone screens every day; Wearable technologies make viewing notifications quickly much simpler, with devices like the Apple Watch, Moto 360, and Samsung Gear as examples.

Safety Wearables: As the name suggests, these devices are used to help you in situations where you feel threatened or in danger. Today, they are widely used as alerts. They can easily be disguised as jewellery, and without letting a potential attacker know, these devices can send alerts to others, sound a loud alarm, or both. They also have built-in GPS systems, allowing you to share your location immediately with your friends and family.

It can be attached to your head, neck, or wrist. There are many wearable technologies, but we will focus on two of them here: Google Glass and the Apple Watch.

Also Read: How to motivate children to spend less time on smartphones

Google Glass

Google Glass is a wearable technology developed by Google that features glasses equipped with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). Users are able to use Google Glass hands-free and interact with it using voice command, gesture recognition or touch-sensitive frames – as well as via small prism-like displays located peripherally within the vision field of each eyewear unit.

Google Glass allows users to perform many different tasks, such as taking photographs and videos, sending messages, making phone calls, receiving notifications, accessing maps and directions, browsing the internet, and more. Furthermore, this device also supports third-party applications for various industries, like healthcare or manufacturing.

Google Glass was originally released as a prototype version in 2013, targeting developers and early adopters as intended users. Due to privacy issues and limited functionality at that time, consumer production of Google Glass was put on hold until 2015. Since then, however, they have focused their attention on developing enterprise versions for use across sectors, including healthcare, industrial work environments, logistics, etc.

Even though Google Glass may no longer be widely available to consumers, its legacy lives on in other augmented reality devices that follow suit. Google Glass continues to demonstrate its potential across fields including education, training simulations, accessibility features for people living with disabilities, and remote collaboration.

Apple Watch

Apple Inc. has made waves in wearable technology with the introduction of The Apple Watch. Designed for comfortable wrist use and offers smartwatch features and capabilities.

The Apple Watch offers various health and fitness tracking capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring, step counting, workout tracking, and breath analysis. In addition, there is also an ECG app included that records the electrical impulses of your heart for irregularities that might indicate health concerns and provide insights.

Apple Watch users can stay in the know with calls, messages, emails, and apps by receiving notifications directly on their wrists. Phone calls can even be answered and messages replied to using voice control or quick replies built directly into Apple Watch itself.

The Apple Watch can serve as an invaluable digital assistant with Siri integration, giving voice-controlled access to information and performing tasks such as setting reminders or sending text messages. Plus, it boasts customizable watch faces and interchangeable bands to meet various styles and preferences.

Augmented Reality (AR) Headsets

Augmented reality headsets open the door to a digitally enhanced reality where digital information blends seamlessly into real life. AR glasses and immersive headsets offer hands-free interfaces for tasks such as navigation, contextual information display, and remote collaborations, helping to navigate unfamiliar city streets or overlay schematics onto physical objects for professionals, revolutionising our interaction with information while making daily activities more efficient and engaging.

Wearable Music Devices

Wearable music devices combine entertainment with portability. They allow users to enjoy their favourite tunes while on the move, often featuring wireless headphone connectivity. Some even integrate fitness tracking features, creating a seamless fusion of audio enjoyment and physical activity.

Wearable Cameras

Wearable cameras allow users to capture life’s moments from a unique point-of-view perspective. Attached directly to clothing or accessories, wearable cameras offer hands-free photography and video recording. A favourite among outdoor enthusiasts and content creators, wearable cameras provide unique perspectives that traditional cameras cannot match.

Smart Eyewear

Smart eyewear enables us to experience our digital world firsthand through our vision. These glasses show notifications, and navigation directions and allow hands-free calling, not to mention taking snapshots that offer visual enhancements that improve everyday experiences, from exploring city streets to receiving real-time information.

Smart Clothing

Smart clothing marries technology and fashion by embedding sensors and conductive fabrics into garments. Wearable textiles use sensors and conductive fabric sensors embedded within smart clothing pieces to monitor vital signs, posture, and movement, adding greater awareness to daily experiences for wearable textiles such as wearable textiles that monitor vital signs, posture, and movement, offering posture correction reminders throughout the day, and thermoregulation functionality – revolutionising wearable technology with style and functionality.

Conclusion

Wearable technology refers to smart devices or accessories that are worn on the body, typically as clothing or accessories. These devices are equipped with various sensors and electronics that enable them to collect and transmit data, provide real-time feedback, and perform tasks. Examples of wearable technology include smartwatches, fitness trackers, augmented reality headsets, and smart clothing.