Wearable technology has come a long way since the advent of smartwatches. As innovation continues, the next wave of wearable tech is set to revolutionize how we interact with technology, monitor our health, and enhance our daily lives. Here’s a look at the emerging trends in wearable tech and what’s next after smartwatches:
1. Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) Wearables
Smart glasses and AR wearables are poised to become the next big thing in wearable tech.
A. AR Glasses
- Features: Overlay digital information onto the real world (e.g., navigation, notifications, virtual objects).
- Use Cases: Gaming, remote assistance, training, and navigation.
- Examples: Microsoft HoloLens, Google Glass Enterprise Edition, Nreal Light.
B. Consumer Smart Glasses
- Features: Display notifications, take photos, and provide voice assistance.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, fitness tracking, and hands-free communication.
- Examples: Facebook (Meta) Ray-Ban Stories, Amazon Echo Frames.
2. Smart Clothing and E-Textiles
Smart clothing integrates technology directly into fabrics, offering new possibilities for health monitoring and convenience.
A. Fitness and Health Monitoring
- Features: Track heart rate, muscle activity, posture, and more.
- Use Cases: Athlete performance tracking, rehabilitation, and everyday health monitoring.
- Examples: Ralph Lauren PoloTech Shirt, Hexoskin Smart Shirt, Athos Fitness Apparel.
B. Temperature Regulation
- Features: Adjustable heating and cooling for comfort in extreme conditions.
- Use Cases: Outdoor activities, military, and medical applications.
- Examples: Embr Wave, Ministry of Supply Mercury Intelligent Heated Jacket.
C. Safety and Visibility
- Features: LED lights and sensors for visibility and hazard detection.
- Use Cases: Cycling, running, and industrial safety.
- Examples: Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard, Lumo Lift.
3. Wearable Health Devices
Wearable health devices are becoming more advanced, offering deeper insights into our well-being.
A. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
- Features: Monitor blood glucose levels in real-time.
- Use Cases: Diabetes management and metabolic health tracking.
- Examples: Dexcom G6, Abbott FreeStyle Libre.
B. Wearable ECG Monitors
- Features: Track heart rhythm and detect irregularities.
- Use Cases: Heart health monitoring and early detection of conditions like atrial fibrillation.
- Examples: Apple Watch Series 8, Withings ScanWatch.
C. Smart Rings
- Features: Track sleep, activity, and heart rate in a compact form.
- Use Cases: Health monitoring and fitness tracking.
- Examples: Oura Ring, Motiv Ring.
4. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
BCIs are emerging as a groundbreaking technology that connects the brain directly to devices.
A. Medical Applications
- Features: Restore mobility and communication for individuals with disabilities.
- Use Cases: Prosthetic control, stroke rehabilitation, and treatment of neurological disorders.
- Examples: Neuralink, BrainGate.
B. Consumer Applications
- Features: Enhance focus, meditation, and cognitive performance.
- Use Cases: Mental health, productivity, and gaming.
- Examples: Muse Headband, Emotiv Epoc X.
5. Smart Jewelry
Smart jewelry combines fashion with functionality, offering discreet tech features.
A. Fitness Tracking
- Features: Track steps, calories, and activity levels.
- Use Cases: Everyday wear and fitness monitoring.
- Examples: Bellabeat Leaf, Ringly.
B. Safety and Notifications
- Features: Receive notifications and emergency alerts.
- Use Cases: Personal safety and connectivity.
- Examples: Tory Burch for Fitbit, McLear RingPay.
6. Wearable Displays and HUDs
Wearable displays and heads-up displays (HUDs) provide information in a hands-free format.
A. Smart Helmets
- Features: Display navigation, speed, and notifications.
- Use Cases: Cycling, motorcycling, and industrial safety.
- Examples: Livall Smart Helmet, Sena Momentum INC.
B. HUD Glasses
- Features: Project information onto lenses for easy viewing.
- Use Cases: Driving, aviation, and sports.
- Examples: Vuzix Blade, Everysight Raptor.
7. Implantable Wearables
Implantable devices are pushing the boundaries of wearable tech.
A. Medical Implants
- Features: Monitor and treat chronic conditions.
- Use Cases: Diabetes management, cardiac monitoring, and pain management.
- Examples: Medtronic MiniMed Insulin Pump, Abbott Confirm Rx.
B. Biohacking Implants
- Features: Enhance human capabilities and store data.
- Use Cases: Access control, payment, and personal data storage.
- Examples: Dangerous Things NFC Implants, Biohax International.
8. Wearable AI Assistants
AI-powered wearables are becoming more integrated into our daily lives.
A. Voice-Activated Wearables
- Features: Provide voice assistance, reminders, and information.
- Use Cases: Everyday convenience and productivity.
- Examples: Amazon Echo Loop, Google Assistant-enabled wearables.
B. Context-Aware Devices
- Features: Adapt to user behavior and environment.
- Use Cases: Personalized recommendations and proactive assistance.
- Examples: Fitbit Sense, Garmin Venu 2.
9. Sustainability in Wearable Tech
As environmental concerns grow, sustainable wearables are gaining traction.
A. Eco-Friendly Materials
- Features: Use of recycled and biodegradable materials.
- Examples: Garmin Instinct Solar, Pela Case.
B. Energy Efficiency
- Features: Solar charging and energy-harvesting technologies.
- Examples: Matrix PowerWatch 2, Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar.