The devices that can be worn comfortably are called "wearable technology". They are categorized under smart technology. Wearable technology devices can be worn as an accessory, implanted in the user's body, or embedded in clothing.
These are hand-free devices used for practical or field purposes. They can send and receive data from the internet, and works using microprocessors. People mostly prefer wearable devices to sport fashion.
These devices give real-time updates and information about the functions they are supposed to provide. They can sync with other devices like phones and laptops.
Smart and wearable technology started with the invention of watches. It is the first and most popular device in wearable technology invented in 1500 BC. The first wearable technology developed ever was the watch.
Different types of wearable technology devices available today are discussed as follows:
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are now more than just a trend of the millennials, providing more features than just time. They are used by athletes for training or fitness freaks who constantly track their footsteps and calories.
Smartwatches can be used as GPSs that tell time, reply to calls, messages, and emails. Instead of constantly looking for the phone, one can simply check their smartwatch that provides all the features available in a mobile device. It has better connectivity with mobile and laptop devices.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers look like smartwatches. They count and show the number of steps walked, distance covered, heartbeats, and calories burned. Some watches are sports-centric, like waterproof, hence good for swimmers. Users can set the goals for distance, weight, and calories to be burned. It sends out motivation messages or plays music while working out.
All the smart-wearable technology, so far associated with health benefits or the devices that track the health problems are called Home Healthcare devices.
Head-Mounted Display
A head-mounted display is the view of a computer. It is worn like glasses. It gives a 2D or 3D view of what happens on the screen.
It uses immersive technology. It displays the entire field of view to the users.
The military HMDs do not usually display videos but give information and tracking as part of a heads-up display for the vehicle used.
The head-mounted display has been explored more in the gaming industry. HMD gives a view of the screen or simulated world. The virtual content is rendered in 2D and presented to the viewers.
Smart Shoes
Smart shoes are the newest advances in the technical field. They are most beneficial for the healthcare industry. They detect the heart rates, check the performance levels of a person, and can help in the regulation of sports training.
Smart shoes can track your activity levels by monitoring how many steps you've taken, your pace, how many calories you've burned, and more. These shoes can even show you your location using geo-location systems, such as GPS.
The shoe has pressure or a sensor to detect the weight. These pressure sensors are being used to develop self-tying shoes that tie themselves up once they detect your foot. Environmental sensors that sense the surrounding environment can also be added to smart sneakers.
The sensors integrated with tattoos are engraved on the hand. The detectives use wearable devices like mics or earbuds using sensors. The little sensors cannot be seen and are used as spyware.
Personal items such as televisions, smartphones/tablets, but also showers, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators will be equipped with sensors that will allow them to communicate with one another and compare data to previously recorded information in clouds.
These devices will be able to alert users when certain measurements are off, as well as send suggestions on how to change lifestyle routines. They will also be able to alert medical professionals in the event of an emergency or to alert doctors if patients do not improve despite following the prescribed treatments.
Final Thoughts
The wearable technology is gaining momentum in the markets as the fashion and technology industry together are creating more products. The health benefits along with luxurious feels, easy-to-use, and durable products will be the main reasons for these products to lead the markets. There are different wearable products available for a toddler to a senior citizens which have uses accordingly. There is no age bar for wearable technology.
Written by Purvi Bhasin, Senior Research Associate - BIS Research
As per the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, more than one billion people require one or more medical assistive products across the globe....