As technology advances at an exponential rate, given a turbo boost by AI, wearable tech is poised to improve by leaps and bounds. Wearable tech will transform everyone’s lives. This isn’t sci-fi. The future is here and now.
10. Operating Devices with Brain Waves
Imagine controlling devices with your thoughts rather than your hands. It may sound like science fiction, but such technology is already in development via a wearable headband. AI recognizes patterns from EEG brain waves and issues commands. For example, severely disabled users can operate wheelchairs. It’s not a huge stretch to transition this ability to motor vehicles and more.
9. Deeper Integration With Other Wearables
The ultimate goal of wearable tech will be the ability for all devices to “talk” to and integrate with other wearables and non-wearable devices. This means your watch, clothing, shoes, and eyewear will not only communicate with each other but also with augmented and virtual reality systems. While not coming “soon,” this future isn’t too far away either.
8. Biometric Sensors
Some biometric sensors are already in use, but wearable tech will be coming soon with more sensors that don’t require action on the part of the user. For example, in clothing. These will communicate with other devices to pass on physiological metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
7. Remote Patient Monitors & Personalized Medical Alerts
Remote patient monitoring technology already exists but it will improve greatly through wearable tech. Wearable monitoring tech will communicate with other systems to provide preventative care. In addition, these will have the ability to analyze information to issue personalized medical alerts that can provide updates and life-saving warnings in dangerous situations.
6. Vital Statistics Monitors & Gamified Health
Wearable technology embedded in clothing will be able to monitor more than blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Expect monitors for liver and kidney functions, electrolyte levels, and more. Health organizations may gamify the monitoring to encourage participation by offering badges and more for good habits, as well as community-building features to allow for more interaction.
5. Gesture Control
Like the Wii gaming system, wearable tech will also feature gesture control to detect hand and body movements. This will allow users to control wearable devices with simple gestures. Gestures will scroll through pages, navigate menus, and control various functions of the device. This will make wearable tech easier and more intuitive to use.
4. Renewable Energy and Charging
Currently, one of the biggest drawbacks to wearable tech is the time spent charging the devices. Future wearable tech will include renewable forms of recharging. This could include solar, body heat, motion, and more. Devices will be recharged during the day and while they are in use so that they constantly remain topped up.
3. Location-Based, Personalized Recommendations
While this may sound like “Big Brother is watching you,” your location is already constantly being updated through your cell phone. Smarter wearable technology will proactively analyze your surroundings to make personalized recommendations for food, fuel, attractions, events, and more. Such helpful information is likely to make wearable tech indispensable.
3. Social Interaction Tracking
As wearable technology tracks every human interaction you have, online and off, you’ll never be stuck trying to answer the question, “Where do I know this person from?” Your wearable technology will answer the question for you and prevent such embarrassing memory lapses. It can also inform you when someone you know is nearby.
1. AR Overlay
Tech companies such as Apple and Microsoft are investing heavily in augmented reality (AR). AR overlay involves overlaying digital content on top of the physical world. With wearable devices, this means you can get product information in real-time as you look at an item in-store, get feedback on your performance as you exercise, and more.
