What to Expect from Wearable Devices in 2015

The year 2014 saw some exciting wearable devices from some prominent names in the technology world. Motorola launched its Moto360, an impressive smart watch with a slew of features and an elegant traditional design; Samsung introduced its smartest wearable Gear S, HP ventured with its stylish Chronowing smartwatch and the much anticipated iWatch also appeared that will be available next year.

Action also took place in the area of fitness bands and products such as Jawbone UP24, Withlings Pulse O2, Microsoft band, etc. made a mark with their health monitoring applications. The year 2015 will witness some new and improved wearable products.

Apple iWatch

Apple touted that this is the most personal product they have ever created because it is the first Apple product to be worn. The watch packs some interesting features and comes with an elegant design and variety of customisations (gold plated, sapphire glass, leather and neon coloured sporty straps) to please the tech enthusiasts.

The watch automatically detects the time zones you are in and adjusts to give you the most accurate time (just like GPS satellites).

It integrates a series of sensors to monitor your overall physical activity on a daily basis, adapts to your lifestyle and encourages you to meet your fitness goals.

It displays and let you respond to your messages, calls, mails, social

updates, tweets, stocks, weather and a lot more. Apple has also integrated a new mode of communication in its watch, just draw or tap on the watch screen and your friends will be able to see and feel (by mild vibrations) them respectively.

You can even share your heartbeat with your loved ones by pressing two fingers on the screen. With all the nifty features, iWatch will be the biggest launch in the wearable market next year.

Mi band

Xiaomi’s phones surely took India by storm this year and 2015 will see one of the most affordable yet multi functional health band by the Chinese tech giant. The IP67 certified band (dust and water proof) tracks your fitness level by keeping a note of calories burnt, distance covered, sleeping patterns etc.

It also integrates bluetooth, a smart alarm, accelerometer, accelerometer and comes with a 30 day standby time. The band is already available in China and will be available in India by mid 2015. It will work with Android smartphones and will be priced under Rs. 1,500.

Smart glasses

We are hearing about Google Glass for a while (since June 2012) and 2015 will the year when it will be launched for the general public. The device is capable of performing a host of functions such as to show directions, shoot videos and pictures, display notifications, can translate different languages and a lot more.

However Google is going receive tough competition from other big names such as Samsung and Sony as both the companies are expected to launch their augmented reality wearable—Gear Blink and Smart Eyeglass in 2015.

However the landscape of wearable devices is not only limited to watches and fitness bands, it is a much broader concept and if implemented correctly will make our lives much simpler and will no doubt be interestingly advanced.

Smart clothes

Smart clothing will be the next field to see the action in wearable technology as these will integrate more seamlessly to our body and will be able to deliver better results.

Smart T-shirts are in development that can combine a range of sensors to measure heart beat in detail, glucose levels, stress levels, UV exposure etc. and will become an important part of sports industry. Adidas, Nike are already testing their beta products. Some organizations are working on smart buttons that can change the colour of fabric when pressed; a great add-on for fashion industry. With so much going on, this will be the next phase in wearable technology.

The focus on health care

A lot of research has been done in the health care sector where these devices can prove to be beneficial. Already they are monitoring our day to day physical activity (blood pressure, glucose, stress level, chronic arrests, etc.) but 2015 will see a definite surge in their wider applications.

Devices are being developed that can fit to patient’s body and can monitor the symptoms of a disease to cure them before it gets fatal. Smart socks and shoes for older people are in testing that integrates sensors to keep a check on their walks and detect a possible fall.

Sensors will be fitted in the clothes of workers which can detect poisonous gases leaks and can warn them of their surroundings before any possible tragedies. Biometric trackers will be available that can keep a check on your pet’s movement and health by

monitoring vital statistics like weight, breathing rate, heart

rate, etc