2014 Trend Alert! Wearable technology.
They say it’s going to boom on 2014, and articles about wearable technology are flooding the internet this new year.
So what is Wearable technology?
Wiki says Wearable technology, wearable devices, tech togs, or fashion electronics are clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies. The designs often incorporate practical functions and features, but may also have a purely critical or aesthetic agenda.
Whether it’s a smartwatch on your wrist, a life-logging camera clipped to your collar or a fitness band around your arm, wearable technology is reaching more consumers in 2014. Stewart points to buzz around Google Glass and similar “smart glasses” products that are likely to sell four million units this year at a price point of about $500, or the cost of “a fairly nice smartphone.”
The Deloitte report says 100 million e-visits are expected to be logged globally in 2014, allowing patients to skip doctor waiting rooms and seek care online. (Nir Elias/Reuters)“When we look at wearables, we’re excited. This is going to be big,” he said, adding that global sales of wearable computers are expected to surpass $3 billion in 2014.
“Although it’s a niche, it’s a ‘mass niche’ that’s big enough” to be significant, he said.*
* Sourced from CBC
So what might you might find yourself wearing in the near future?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch
(showcased in possibly the creepiest advert of all time? #stalkeralert)
iWatch?
Samsung released their smartwatch “Galaxy Gear” late in 2013, but what most people are (im)patiently awaiting is the announcement of an iWatch from Apple.
Currently only a reality on the rumour mill, it’s speculated Apple will announce a wearable technology product some time early this year. Offical announcements will be made via Apple News.
So what might the watch look like? People are guessing all over the place. Here are two examples:
Google Glass(es)
As defined by Wikipedia: Google Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) that is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development project, with a mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer. Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format,[9] that can communicate with the Internet via natural language voice commands.
Very cool, if a litte $$$. Check out the website http://www.google.co.uk/glass/start/
See Recipe steps as you’re cooking!
And it seems that maybe even your pet can get in on the action!
Introducing Ridogulous Labs
Our “smart collar” brings you closer to your best friend in a form factor that is modern, smart, beautiful and durable. When combined with our smartphone app, it’s your locator, activity monitor, obedience trainer, family hub, nutritionist, athletic trainer, chore checklist, doggie date planner, invisible fence and more.
Simply put, this collar is your 21st century connection and electronic window into your dog’s crazy little world!
Ridogulous Labs have developed a collar that combines with a smartphone app to keep track of your dog’s diet, activities, location, and obedience training—right down to its, er, social calendar. There’s even a voice command option, as well as interactive games to work on its cognitive ability!*
*Source
It all look pretty interesting, I look forward to tracking it’s progress throughout the year.
EP.
Some more reading if you like:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/tech-trends-for-2014-wearables-phablets-and-e-visits-1.2495000
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/06/tech/samsung-galaxy-gear-crazy-concepts/index.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/tech-trends-for-2014-wearables-phablets-and-e-visits-1.2495000