1. A new exciting industry
Early adopters are excited by the novelty of wearable technology. Users of wearable technology are finding the devices easy to use, functional, and an aesthetically pleasing merger of technology and fashion accessories. Wearable technology may have originated with a simple wristband or wrist watch but the depth of the technology and scope of the devices have transcended far beyond simple wrist-worn devices. Today, wearable technology can be found through rings, eye wear, helmets, smart shoes, apparel, clip-on accessories, augmented and virtual reality headsets and so on. Despite the expansion of the scope of wearable technology and its growing demand, smartwatches and wristbands currently still dominate the wearable technology market.
2. Wearable technology for specialized professional use
Although certain wearable technology such as Google Glass is not widely worn, such wearable technology may garner more wide usage within specialized market segments through the development of more specialized apps. For instance, Google Glass has been incorporated by some medical professionals within their medical practice to tap into the benefit of a hands-free source of medical information. Similarly, the DAQRI Smart Helmet is a helmet that displays work instructions right on their visor so that a worker can observe exactly what needs to be completed. The helmet also contains a 360 navigation camera with HD video recording, photography, 3D mapping. The Smart Helmet also provides the potential for data mining, compliance optimization, and maintaining construction records. Another example of wearable technology is the ProGlove, which is a wearable glove benefiting production procession. The goal of the glove is to enable quicker and more efficient handling by integrating working steps into the natural movement of your hands.
3. Using wearable technology for collecting personal health data
With wearable technology like the new Apple Watch, a user has the capacity to collect personal health information such as sleep-related information, heart rate, calories burned, steps walked and so on. This information provides users with an accurate and objective measurement of personal health information that will allow a user to create the change they wish to see in themselves, hold themselves accountable for achieving targets, and to track their progress. The utility and ease of use of such wearable technology makes monitoring personal health both fun and convenient helping to facilitate better commitment and more informed health and lifestyle decisions.
4. The augmented reality headset for education and practical training
Irrespective of whether it is educational material or hands-on tasks, simple or complex matters, and the age of users, augmented reality sets are establishing to be difference makers in education and training. Augmented reality headsets have been utilized to unlock a child’s imagination, transport a child to new and undiscovered worlds, and teach children lessons through role play. For young adults and professionals, augmented reality apps have a wide array of utility spanning innumerable industries. Educational material and practical hands-on training can range from biology students and professionals dissecting anatomy, chemistry students and chemists delving deep in studying, manipulating and combining elements, structural engineers building simulated prototypes of various architecture, surgeons performing various surgery, and pilots learning through flight simulation. The learning and training possibilities are virtually limitless.
5. Headsets for recreational activities
Patrons of movie theatres have long cherished the pastime of catching a movie on the silver screen. Nonetheless, the experience of attending a movie theatre was enhanced with the introduction of 3D glasses. Moreover, movie theatres later revolutionized the theatre experience with technological advances to allow viewers to enjoy 4D experiences. Similar to movie theatres, roller coasters have also continuously evolved to delight thrill seekers. Today, theme parks have elevated the thrill of roller coasters by combining the roller coaster experience with virtual reality headsets. As riders speed through the roller coaster with their body jostling side to side, they observe their natural surroundings enhanced through the headset, which display unique attributes such as frightening creatures jumping out at the rider or the rider being placed in a fighter jet within a battle scenario.
The Reacon Head-Up Display is another example of wearable technology enhancing an already cherished activity. This headset looks no different than standard headsets worn by skiers and snowboarders. However, the headset provides a display that allows skiers and snowboarders to stay connected while on the slopes. Moreover, the display reveals the user’s speed and allows the user’s to keep track of one another on a map.
With the booming growth of wearable technology, wearable technology is bound to become an integral part of one’s everyday life either in addition to smartphones or perhaps eventually in lieu of smartphones. Companies would be wise to creatively tap into this industry to gain advantage and stay ahead of market trends to not only secure a new revenue source but to also benefit from the advantages of incorporating wearable technology in facilitating employee productivity, safety, and advanced learned and training.
