Wearable technology:
beyond fashion
Wearable technology refers to any
electronic technology or computer that
is incorporated into items of clothing
and accessories. These include fitness
trackers, smart watches and even smart
rings that vibrate when we receive a
new email, text message or call on our
smartphone.
The smartest wearable devices can
perform tasks that we might expect to
carry out on a computer or laptop. In
fact, in many cases, wearable tech is even
more highly developed and sophisticated,
being able to scan, track and provide
sensory feedback on our bodies, bio-
rhythyms and physiological functions.
The whole idea of wearable
technology is that we remain hands-free
and online at all times, with seamless
and instant access to the data we need
exactly when we need it.
So what are some of the most common
types of wearable device in use today?
Health-tracking devices
Health trackers worn on the wrist provide
feedback on things like heart rate, body fat
and weight – even on your skin’s electric
conductivity. Information can be synced
wirelessly with apps that help keep track
of personal health and fitness goals.
For example, the Simband, which
Samsung describes as an open reference
design platform ‘for building advanced
devices that will empower individuals to
Connectivity at
your fingertips: the
MOTA SmartRing, which
notifies wearers of new
messages, has exceeded its
funding goal on crowdfunding
website indiegogo.com.
GavinWheeldon,
CEO, PurpleWiFi
This year’s model
What are likely to be this year’s most popular wearable
technology products and applications in the workplace?
To find out, enterprise mobile solutions provider Accellion
surveyed IT decision-makers in 100 organisations with more than
1,000 employees.
n
The most popular wearable device:
41% said that they
expected to see the AppleWatch in their organisation in 2015,
ahead of Google Glass (36%); the Sony Smartwatch (20%); the
Samsung Gear 2 Neo (17%); and the Pebble or Pebble Steel (16%).
n
The most popular application on wearable devices:
email
(29%), followed by social media apps (20%).
n
The most popular work applications on wearable devices:
internet browsing (10%); document review viaWord, Powerpoint or
Excel (10%); telephone calls (6%).
GavinWheeldon, CEO of PurpleWiFi, looks
at what you might be wearing in 2015
monitor their own health and wellness
more effectively’, has six sensors to keep
tabs on daily steps, heart rate, blood
pressure, body temperature and sweat
glands.
Listening to one’s whole body can be
important for the maintenance of good
health. For example, measuring GSR
(galvanic skin response - sweat to you and
I) provides an indication of stress levels
that could act as a warning to people who
suffer from stress-related illnesses.
Smart watches
Smart watches combine timekeeping
functions with many of the features we
expect from a smartphone including
text messages, email, web-browsing and
media player functions.
The first smart watches performed
what now seem very simple tasks, such
as calculations, translations and games,
and had to be paired with a smartphone
through Bluetooth.
The latest models can operate on
their own, often taking SIM cards just like
a cell phone, and act like mini wearable
computers running mobile apps –
including information downloaded from
health and fitness trackers.
Wearable Technology
Google Glass
Google Glass is a hands-free, head-
mounted camera and display that
communicates with the internet through
voice commands. Its use by individuals
raises issues of privacy but for business
customers it has proven benefits in
certain applications. For example, it has
been used successfully in healthcare to
demonstrate surgery to medical students
who can watch procedures remotely.
In fact, Google Glass has uses in all
types of education. Teachers can create
‘first person’ video guides and students
themselves can record interactions with
each other whilst working collaboratively
on a piece of work or whilst out in the
field. Manufacturing companies can use
it to deliver on-the-job training or to
provide remote support to field workers.
Where will this all lead?
Wearable tech doesn’t have to be
removable like the examples above.
Invasive versions, such as microchip
implants or even smart tattoos, have far-
reaching implications for the future.
For gamers, there is the promise of a
more realistic, immersive online gaming
environment through augmented reality
that combines the real world with
computer-generated sensory input.
In retail, virtual mirrors that scan your
body shape and project clothes onto your
image could enable shoppers to try on
clothes without removing those they are
already wearing.
Enhanced clothing
In addition to questions of practicality
and functionality, researchers are also
having to consider fashion, as technology
is increasingly incorporated into t-shirts,
jackets, headbands and jewellery.
Trends to watch out for include solar
clothes that can recharge your phone; a
tracker that works out where each outfit
is in your wardrobe; bike helmets with
built-in navigation systems (safer than
using a smartphone whilst cycling); smart
socks that work out if you are running in
a way that could cause injury; smart bras
that track your heart rate; and designer
clothing that uses technology purely for
aesthetic purposes.
As wearable technology gains ground
in 2015, it is worth celebrating the fact
that by 2018 there is predicted to be one
publicWi-Fi hotspot for every 20 people
on earth. After all, without WiFi, wearable
technology would not exist.
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