Wearables 101: A Beginner's Guide
The Proliferation of Wearable Technology
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 showcased a significant presence of wearable devices, a predictable trend given the increasing adoption of activity-tracking bands even among the general public.
Consumers are poised to experience a substantial influx of new wearable products in the near future.
Understanding the "Wearable" Concept
While often described as a buzzword, the term "wearable" is fundamentally straightforward. It simply denotes technology designed to be worn on the body.
Advancements in technology are continually simplifying the development and production of these wearable innovations.
The ease of creation is driving a rapid expansion in the variety of devices falling under the wearable technology umbrella.
This increased accessibility is contributing to the growing market and wider consumer acceptance of these devices.
Understanding Wearable Technology
The term "wearables," an abbreviation of "wearable technology," is straightforward in its meaning. A wearable device is characterized by being worn on the body, rather than being placed on a desk, carried in a bag, or kept in a pocket. This defines the core concept of what constitutes a "wearable."
To illustrate further, several examples of currently available wearables include:
- Fitness trackers produced by companies such as Fitbit, Jawbone, Runtastic, Mio, Basis, Misfit, Nike, Microsoft, and Garmin.
- Smartwatches, encompassing devices utilizing Android Wear, the Apple Watch, and the Pebble watch.
- “Smart glasses,” such as Google Glass and Sony's SmartEyeGlass, though their prevalence is currently less widespread.
Currently, fitness-tracking bands and smartwatches represent the most commonly adopted forms of wearable technology. However, the definition extends to any device potentially worn on the person.
For instance, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 featured the AmpStrip, a specialized “smart band-aid” designed to adhere to the chest for heart rate monitoring and data transmission to a smartphone. Similarly, a jacket integrated with LEDs could also be classified as a wearable.
A ring capable of monitoring vital signs or serving as a security authentication device would also fall under the wearable technology umbrella. Even conventional headphones, in a technical sense, could be considered "wearables."
They simply predate the widespread use of the term and are not typically included in the category. However, wireless Bluetooth earbuds that relay notifications, or wired headphones that simultaneously track fitness metrics, would definitively be categorized as wearables.
The Current Rise in Wearable Technology
Bluetooth Low Energy has been a pivotal factor in the recent surge of wireless gadgets. But what specifically is driving the increased prevalence of wearable devices at this moment in time?
The answer lies in advancements in the foundational computing technology. This encompasses the development of chips and sensors, specifically regarding their miniaturization, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Contemporary computers are now sufficiently compact to be integrated into fitness trackers.
These devices can incorporate sensors and maintain operation for up to a week while continuously monitoring health metrics. Achieving this necessitates not only a small, low-power computer but also specialized, energy-conserving sensors. These sensors are designed to minimize battery consumption while accurately collecting data from the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, new wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, enable wearable devices to communicate with smartphones with significantly reduced battery usage. This capability is crucial for user convenience.
The same low-power sensors utilized in modern Android phones – including models like the Moto X, Nexus 5, and Nexus 6 – are now commonplace. These phones are constantly receptive to voice commands like "Okay Google," even when the screen is inactive.
Similarly, the iPhone 6 incorporates these sensors to continuously track step counts and elevation gains. This minimal battery drain is essential, as users generally prefer wearable devices that don't require frequent recharging.
Key Components and Manufacturers
At CES 2015, Intel unveiled the "Curie" module, a remarkably small microcomputer specifically engineered for wearable applications. Qualcomm, a leading producer of ARM chips for smartphones and mobile devices, also offers a dedicated system-on-a-chip tailored for wearables.
These chip manufacturers are effectively providing complete, miniature computer systems to wearable developers. This allows manufacturers to focus on adding unique features and designs without the need to develop a computer platform from the ground up.
This trend is expected to catalyze a substantial increase in the variety and availability of wearable devices. The availability of pre-built components streamlines the development process.
Image Credit: Intel Curie module prototype from Intel
Wearable Technology: Current Options for Consumers
The surge in wearable technology products anticipated for release and retail availability is easily understood with a grasp of the current market. Wearable devices are no longer a futuristic concept; they are readily available today. Here are some options worth considering for purchase:
Activity-tracking bands: Fitness trackers have become the defining wearable device. While Fitbit offers the most widely recognized range of these bands, numerous other manufacturers exist. These devices are worn on the wrist and monitor physical activity levels. They record data such as steps taken, floors climbed, and calories expended.
These bands also monitor sleep patterns and can utilize vibration to provide a silent alarm. Select models feature a small display screen capable of showing the time, displaying caller identification, and presenting other relevant information. All collected data is synchronized with a smartphone and uploaded to the cloud for convenient access via applications or web browsers.
Currently, activity-tracking wristbands represent the most prevalent wearable technology in practical use. They serve as a prime example of the broader wearable trend – compact devices integrating affordable computing power and energy-efficient sensors in conjunction with smartphone functionality. Further expansion of this category is expected.
An Illustrative Example
Smartwatches: Smartwatches currently hold the position as the second most popular type of wearable. Despite not yet achieving widespread adoption or a firmly established niche like activity trackers, many companies are investing in their development. Apple is developing the Apple Watch, and numerous companies are producing watches utilizing Google’s Android Wear platform.
Alternatives such as the Pebble smartwatch are also available. While the Pebble’s hardware hasn’t seen recent updates, its low-power e-ink screen contributes to extended battery life.
Although we don't currently recommend smartwatches as an essential purchase for most consumers, those enthusiastic about technology may find them appealing as early adopters.
Smartwatch Options
The current emphasis on wearables by manufacturers stems from a search for the next significant and lucrative market following the success of smartphones. Wearable devices appear poised to potentially fulfill this role. Advancements in computing technology have enabled the creation of devices previously considered impossible just a decade ago.
Expect increased discussion and innovation surrounding wearable technology in the coming years.
Image Credit: Denis Kortunov on Flickr, Karlis Dambrans on Flickr, Becky Stern on Flickr, Maurizio Pesce on Flickr