Wearable technology trends have evolved significantly over the past few years. As wearables transcended their initial role as a fitness tracker, they now see more and more (unexpected) applications. These days, wearable tech is used for productivity, healthcare, fashion, security, gaming, learning, and even in the military.
Wearable Technology Trend #1: Productivity
Efficiency is the immortal classic of wearable technology trends. Everybody’s chasing it, and for a good reason. A couple of wearables can save you (or your company) massive amounts of time and money.
A wearable recorder like Senstone Scripter can record audio, perform voice-to-text conversion, and use AI to organize notes. Wearable assistants provide hands-free access to information and enable control of smart appliances.As a manager, you can pool the data tracked by wearables to assess your team’s progress.
(And since new productivity tech pops up like mushrooms after a rain, you can count on another trail blazer entering the market next Tuesday. God bless AI.)
Predictable Is Good: Health and Wellness
Wearable devices have moved far beyond basic step counting. Modern wearables can monitor heart rates, sleep patterns, stress levels, and even detect irregular heart rhythms and breathing patterns. With an increased emphasis on preventive healthcare, wearables with advanced sensors empower users to take control of their well-being. And since smart prosthetics technically do count as wearable tech, we’re doing a stellar job at improving those, too.
As for the health provider side, doctors, nurses, and paramedics can use wearables to log patient data. It’s faster than regular typing, and voice-to-text technology enables hands-free note taking.
Smartwatches Gone Smarter
Smartwatches have come a long way. Now they serve as miniature personal assistants, allowing users to check messages, make calls, and access a wide range of apps (and they tell the time!). A cheap wrist band has become an invaluable fitness companion, tracking workouts and helping navigate the city. Some models even offer medical-grade features like ECG monitoring and blood oxygen level tracking.
Whether you’re analyzing running form, measuring golf swings, or tracking your swimming performance, wearables can help you reach your fitness goals efficiently – and in style. Speaking of…
Wearable Is Fashionable
Fashion wearables are bridging the gap between style and functionality. Gone are the days of clunky, chunky, unattractive devices. Modern wearables include jewellery, smart clothes, designer smartwatches, futuristic wearable AI assistants, and even smart rings. They seamlessly integrate into your wardrobe, offering both utility and aesthetics. (We have dedicated a whole article to wearable art, check it out.)
Augmented Reality (AR)
Did you know F-35 pilots use an AR headset (aptly named “The Eye of God”) to see right through the plane? And it’s been old news for years.
As of now, AR is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world. By overlaying digital information onto physical surroundings, AR opens up a world of possibilities for everyone. From enhancing gaming experiences to providing real-time translation (hello, Google Lens!), AR has applications across various industries. The US army has been testing AR glasses for land warfare. Marketing agencies use AR to lure in customers. Trying on new clothes or testing hair styles in AR is becoming the new normal.
What About Wearable Payments?
Wearable payment solutions could transform how we conduct transactions. Smartwatches and fitness trackers equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology allow buyers to make secure payments with a simple tap. Forget about physical wallets.
Conclusion
The wearable technology landscape is continually evolving. As tech continues to advance, we can expect wearables to become even more intuitive, versatile, and integrated into our daily routines. Whether you’re a CEO, a fitness enthusiast, an army officer, a fashionista, a retiree, or simply someone looking to make their life easier, wearable technology trends are changing to suit your needs.
Stay tuned for an amazing future as wearables continue to shape the way we live, rest, work, and play.