Technology trend 2016: Wearables
A ADVICE from Roland Rider 
on April 24, 2016, 16:23 am | 2 comments
The year 2016 is in full swing and a particular trend is already clearly visible. Whether it's smartwatches, fitness trackers or even Google Glass, people wearing these devices on their bodies can be seen everywhere. Portable computers, also known as "wearables", have become very popular this year. In this article, I will look at some interesting products on the market, their challenges and possible technologies in the future.
What are the best gadgets on the market?
To fitness tracker once offpromodels from Xiaomi or Fitbit are optimal. Due to the low price and the good performance, these are recommended as entry-level models. The most well-known but high-priced smartwatch is the Apple Watch. But many well-known Swiss watch manufacturers already have smartwatches in their range.
What challenges do wearables bring?
Anyone who has ever worn a portable computer on their body may be familiar with the problems associated with it. Entering data on the small touchscreen display is usually rather tedious. This function will soon be expanded to include voice input in many models. You also have to ask yourself the question: how useful are these fitness trackers and the data they analyze? Or: is this data actually correct and who can access it? Everyone can decide these questions for themselves, and whether someone can actually use this type of technology.
What to expect in the future?
In any case, some exciting products can be expected in the next few years. Due to the rapid technological development, there are no limits to wearables in the future. In addition to the increasingly powerful smartwatches, there are other exciting application possibilities.
Not only the well-known fitness trackers will be interesting for athletes in the next few years. Due to the augmented reality technology, some functions are possible: motorcycle helmets, snowboard and ski helmets, cycling goggles, everything with built-in augmented reality display. You can display e.g. B. the speed, or the calorie consumption. But wearables are also already being used in the world of work. For women there are also some nice looking accessories such as: rings, collars, fitness belts or even clothes.
Hi Roland,
interesting article. I find the prospect of the wearables of the future super exciting.
The fitness bracelets and watches (i.e. everything that is on the wrist) still have the advantage that the display is relatively easy to read and the operation works well (with the other hand or by moving the wrist). Wearables such as a belt or clothing do not offer this advantage. In addition, you will not always wear the same clothes. Therefore, I suspect that this type of wearables will not prevail on the mass market.
But what I find very plausible is the expansion of existing objects such as motorcycle helmets or ski goggles with augmented reality elements! I could still imagine that for glasses in general. Google Glass hasn't caught on yet - but maybe it just wasn't the right time.
Regards
Daniel
Hello Daniel,
I also think that Google Glass simply needs time to become attractive to the general public. The trend with virtual reality glasses is currently in full swing. Wearables as items of clothing will certainly prevail in a few years.
Yes, the Google Glass definitely has potential, but as you rightly say, it is certainly not the right time for it.
greetings,
David from TechnikNews