HP TECH TAKES /...
Exploring today's technology for tomorrow's possibilities
Subscribe
Wearable Technology: From Fitness Trackers to Smart Glasses
Jamie Finch
|
March 8, 2024
The 1970s Apollo missions to the moon had access to less computing power than you will find in an average smartphone. Technology has evolved almost beyond recognition since then, with today’s devices providing more processing power than their predecessors.
Computers have become more powerful and are a fraction of the size of their older counterparts. Some tech has become so small that you can wear it, meaning you always have it. This has led to a wide range of wearable technology, which we look at closely in this article.
Introduction to wearable technology
What is wearable tech? As devices have become smaller, it has become easier to incorporate technology into wearable items like watches, hats, and clothing. Microchips and other hardware can be concealed, so most people won’t notice you are wearing technology. Wearable tech will often offer a practical function, although some wearable tech offers appealing aesthetics.
One of the earliest examples of wearable technology was wristwatches that doubled up as calculators. This technology was groundbreaking at the time and proved highly popular, although its functionality was crude by today’s standards.
How does wearable technology work? There is no single answer to this question because such a wide range is available. However, the term broadly means any type of technology that can be worn easily. In many cases, you won’t even notice the tech until it’s used.
The rise of smartwatches
Early wrist calculator watches may have been basic by modern standards, but they planted the seed for future developments. As computer tech develops, we can fit more power into small spaces, giving calculators and other tools more functionality.
Smartwatches arrived at about the same time as smartphones, spurred by soaring internet speeds and rapidly evolving computer tech. Faster internet connections meant applications had instant access to vast volumes of data and enhanced communication tools. Smartphone operating systems were developed to help them handle new functions, and the smartphone was born.
Today’s smartphones can do much more than perform mathematical sums. They can also help you keep organised, fit, and productive. Here’s a brief look at some of the most commonly used examples of wearable technology.
Fitness trackers
Some tech, like wristwatches, is located directly against bare skin, letting it gather information about your health with help from sensors. This information can help fitness trackers monitor and record your heartbeat and other metrics to outline your overall health.
Among the most common uses of fitness trackers is monitoring your day-to-day activities. For example, fitness trackers can measure data like steps taken and distance travelled, making it a valuable tool for athletes wanting to monitor their progress. Trackers can also help you set schedules and targets, ensuring ongoing progress.
Fitness trackers are ideal for anybody from beginners to trained athletes. They can help people of all ability levels by making progress easily visible and encouraging you to keep going. When you’re not using your device as a fitness tracker, you can change the screen for a modern-looking timepiece.
Professional health monitoring
Wearable technologies can monitor a patient’s vital signs, making them useful in medicine. Many doctors now ask patients to use wearable tech like fitness trackers for real-time insights into the patient’s well-being.
Some professional health monitoring tech can literally save lives. For example, some devices can send an alert if the patient is in danger, helping medical experts arrive quickly. Another benefit of wearable tech is that it's easy for patients to use. Some designs, like health monitoring watches, are designed to be worn by the patient 24/7, so they are always under supervision.
Smart clothing
Even clothing hasn’t avoided the smart trend, and you will find smart garments available on the market.
For example, you will find smart jackets that record details like body temperature and pulse. You will even find smart socks that give runners feedback on their gait, while you can also find smart underwear that boosts muscle healing. The technology can be applied to wider applications, such as helping to coordinate search and rescue efforts.
Another potential use of smart clothing is helping to keep you comfortable in challenging conditions. For example, if cold weather is dropping your body temperature, a smart jacket might heat up to provide warmth.
Augmented reality (AR) glasses
Augmented reality works not by replacing what you see but by adding to it. For example, AR glasses use a transparent material that lets you see the world around you. This material produces digital images that overlay the real world, giving you information others cannot see.
For example, AR glasses could show you arrows so you know where to go without taking your eyes off what’s in front of you. AR glasses also offer marketing opportunities, helping companies target their audience directly. For example, a fast food store might want to detect previous customers nearby and hit them with the least offers.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality (VR) takes AR one step further and completely replaces what you see with computer-generated images. Although you can no longer see the real world, VR offers stunning immersiveness that makes you feel as though you are surrounded by the VR world.
Virtual reality is particularly popular among fitness gamers who love the workout apps available. However, the tech is finding more applications in business environments, particularly virtual meeting software. With VR, people can get together around the same virtual table, helping them communicate as if they were sitting together.
Regardless, VR is still in its infancy and will likely grow as prices decrease and headsets become more comfortable.
Personal AI assistants
Personal AI assistants, like Siri and Alexa, are another example of online tech that has recently boomed. While such assistants are usually found around the home, some have been converted into watches and other wearable tech.
Such easily portable assistants will no doubt be appealing to many people. For example, wearing an AI assistant on your wrist could be ideal for checking out product reviews and looking for bargains. A portable AI assistant can help to keep you organised, with reminders about upcoming meetings and a well-organised calendar.
Robotic limbs
Prostheses have been around for a long time, but only recently have robotic limbs seemed a reality. As our technology develops, robotic limbs will become increasingly functional, perhaps one day replacing the original limb entirely. Tech companies are researching ways to transform thoughts into actions, potentially giving amputees full control over their new body parts.
Challenges and ethical considerations
Wearable technology is gradually becoming a household item, but the technology faces some challenges and ethical considerations, including:
Safety
The main concern regarding wearable technology is the safety of the wearer. For example, if somebody could access the device, they could learn the wearer’s movements, potentially making them vulnerable. While these are legitimate concerns, the best wearable tech uses the latest online security platforms for your peace of mind.
Power
Electronic tech needs a power source, usually provided by batteries. Batteries are controversial for numerous reasons, and they can even be dangerous, putting pressure on companies to avoid their use. However, solar power has long been powering wristwatches and as solar tech develops, the more powerful devices it can power. Wearable tech might also lead to novel new ways of generating power.
Comfort
If your tech is bulky, it can be uncomfortable, making it unappealing as clothing. As such, wearable tech designers may need to get creative to prevent shoppers from seeking more comfortable alternatives.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are often an essential aspect of what you wear, and wearable tech is no exception. Most designs are sleek and modern, often with appealing interactive displays. You will also find plenty of smart designs suitable for professional environments.
Summary
Shrinking microchips and rocketing internet speeds have expanded our flexibility in using our technology. For example, smaller devices are easier to weave into clothing or accessories, adding functionality to your wardrobe. As such, wearable technology has become increasingly popular and looks set to remain for the foreseeable future.
Common examples include fitness watches and health monitoring equipment, to tech that helps runners use the best technique. Wearable AI assistants can also help us throughout our days, while AR and VR are exciting developments.
Which wearable technology suits you best depends on how you expect to use it. Business owners can also look into ways of using wearable tech to manage their operations.
