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Even though the first wearables were created as early as the 13th century, wearable technology as an industry only became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, with various developments making shockwaves on the market.
From the Walkman, which certainly feels retro nowadays, to the original iPods and the smartwatches, the industry has significantly developed over the past four decades. Now, statistics show that it could become a $111 billion business by 2028, steadily increasing its influence over the coming years.
Wearable technology is used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, fitness, gaming, fashion, and sports. If you want to learn more about the best wearable devices you can get and make a part of your everyday life, read this detailed guide.
What are Wearables?
Wearables, short for wearable technology, include electronic devices you can incorporate into your daily routine to track or monitor various metrics. Some of these devices help you monitor critical parts of your health, such as your blood pressure or hydration levels. Others are there to help you with entertainment, providing an immersive 3D experience thanks to the latest tech developments. From Fitbits to Bluetooth headsets and even the newest vision goggles from Apple, all these devices and many more fall under the umbrella term of wearables.
Wearables & Healthcare
Thanks to the various wearables developed over the years, it is now easier than ever to track essential parts of your health and ensure they are within the appropriate ranges. As mentioned, some of the newest smartwatches, smart jewelry, and eSkin patches include sensors that, simply by touching your skin, can tell your blood sugar levels and detect abnormal heart rhythms and other abnormalities. These devices give prompt alerts and help you get the needed medical assistance before things take a turn for the worse.
Wearables & Sports
Wearables have also been used in various sports, from American football to soccer, baseball, etc. While athletes can always rely on smartwatches for health monitoring or wear Bluetooth headsets to block out the noise while practicing, there are other types of wearables that they use, too. For example, various wearable devices are included in football players’ pads, measuring their speed, acceleration, etc. In baseball, devices within the bat can tell the force with which a player hits the ball.
It’s not only athletes that can benefit from wearables. All those interested in fitness, whether trekking, jogging, or weight lifting, can use Fitbits or smartwatches from Garmin, Apple, Samsung, and other companies to measure their performance and check on their vitals while engaging in strenuous exercise.
Wearables & Fashion
For all those who want to look fashionable while they are out on the town but think that regular smartwatches do not go well with their outfits, there is a ton of wearable jewelry they can look into. For example, there are smartwatches from Michael Kors or even Louis Vuitton that you can customize to fit your style. These come with a high price tag, so consider that as well.
Apart from smartwatches, wearable jewelry includes various health monitoring wristbands, oura rings, in-ear pieces, and even smart shoes with special sensors that can not only measure the distance or speed you run but also help accelerate you. Similar sensors have been included in other garments, not just running shoes.
Wearables & Gaming
Finally, we can also mention various wearables developed for entertainment and gaming. PlayStation and Xbox are no longer the most sought-after gaming consoles. Nowadays, more and more gamers are taking things one step further and using VR and AR sets to improve their gaming experience. The sales have helped the VR & AR market steadily grow over the past few years, while it is projected to continue with the trend, reaching a market value of $58.1 by 2028.
With VR and AR sets, players have the unique opportunity to become a part of the game they are playing by actually entering and exploring it. Some newer consoles have HD graphics, spatial audio systems, and ergonomic controllers. So, it’s no wonder many players decide to experience this unique way of gaming instead of using the old-fashioned consoles.
What Does the Future of Wearables Look Like?
These industries are only some that have benefited from the development of wearables. These devices have many impressive applications, and we are eager to see what the future holds for them. One area for improvement is battery life, with some companies exploring energy harvesting as an alternative to regular recharging. There is still much to be discovered in wearable technology, so watch for the latest developments. Who knows – learning about wearables might even inspire you to create the next big innovation in the field!
About The Author
David Todva is a skilled writer with a rich background in the sports industry. However, he’s not just about sports. As a freelance writer, David also enjoys writing about a wide range of subjects, such as technology, business, and real estate investments. Originally from Russia, he offers a distinct perspective on Eastern European business culture and trends. His articles have been published on several websites, including the-next-tech.com and marylandreporter.com.
