Wearable Tech
Wearable tech is a rapidly-growing sector of technology which includes small, portable devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and sensors that are connected to the internet and can help us perform a range of activities. As technology advances, so does wearable tech. Based on current trends, what could the next steps for wearable tech be?
Smart-Clothing
One advancement that could become more popular as a form of wearable technology is smart-clothing. This type of clothing is designed to be like regular fashion apparel but contains embedded electronic devices that enable a user to interact with the garment. These garments may be able to facilitate activities like wireless charging and the integration of accessories such as headphones. This type of fabric may even be equipped with LED lights to provide a customized light display. Smart-clothing can provide convenience and a more personal connection with clothing items.
Voice-Activated Wearables
Another potential development for wearable tech is voice-activated wearables. Devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home are already impacting the way we interact with technology. Wearable devices that are voice controlled could soon become commonplace; instead of manually entering commands or interacting with a touchscreen, the user would be able to make requests simply by speaking. Wearable devices that are voice-activated could be used in wearable technology such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and even smart-clothing.
Biometric Scanning
Biometric scanning is a secure form of authentication that is based on the user’s unique physiological features. Technologies like fingerprint scanning, voice recognition, and facial recognition are becoming more widely used. Wearable technology that is equipped with biometric scanning could unlock opportunities for enhanced security and convenience. For example, banks could provide banking cards with biometric scanning capabilities that allow a user to quickly and securely access funds without having to remember a PIN number.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is an advanced technology that layers digital information onto the physical world. This type of technology offers users an interactive, three-dimensional environment that can be used for gaming, education, training, and other activities. AR wearables could potentially offer a unique way of accessing information or even provide the basis for new interactive experiences. For example, a user may be able to utilize an AR headset or smart glasses to gain access to information or instructions that are only available within the augmented reality environment.
Implications of Wearable Technology
The introduction of wearable technology has had and will continue to have far-reaching implications for many industries. Wearables can have a positive impact on healthcare, by allowing patients to track their vital signs and providing physicians with real-time data. Wearables can also offer opportunities in the areas of fitness and gaming, allowing users to monitor their physical activity and compete with each other in virtual environments. Additionally, wearable devices can provide increased convenience for users by replacing smartphones and other devices for certain activities.
Wearable technology has already made a major impact and with current trends in mind, the potential for advancement and innovation is considerable. As technology advances, the possibilities for augmented reality, smart-clothing, biometric scanning, and voice-activated wearables will become more viable options. As such, the future of wearable technology is sure to be exciting and provide many different opportunities.
