Over the last few decades, the world has witnessed new, disruptive technologies that are changing the way people use, receive, and communicate data. One of the most prominent, practical, rapidly growing, and transforming innovations in wearable technology.
From simple fitness trackers and cutting-edge sports and smartwatches to virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, wearables are certainly everywhere.
Indeed, a new era of wearables is unlocking the connected self, using smart sensors to connect with you and help you achieve goals such as staying healthy and active, losing weight, organizing, and tracking overall mental and physical health.
Ultimately, there is a fair amount of development in the sector. Recognizing, understanding, and effectively using today’s growing wearable landscape is becoming increasingly relevant to many companies’ success and in their personal lifestyles.
If you’re interested in completing your goals and activities more easily, get up to speed with the world of wearables! Below, we’ve provided a guide, breaking it all down for you:
Different Kinds of Wearable Technology
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are very popular with people who want to keep track of their heart rate, steps, and calories burned while receiving smartphone notifications. It is ideal when you don’t need sophisticated measurements from your sports watch or smartwatch. It also offers longer battery life compared to smartphones.
The latest devices have heart rate, sleep, and swimming tracking, water resistance, smartphone notifications, and most importantly, seven days of battery life to track measurements 250,000 times a day.
Smartwatch and Sports Watch
A smartwatch is like a smartphone, watch, and fitness tracker in one. It’s a wrist-worn device that connects to your mobile phone and acts as a mini-window for your digital life.
It brings notifications and calls from your phone, all while tracking your physical activity. Some smartwatches even have independent GPS and LTE models for location services. For those who enjoy running, cycling, swimming, and even golf, a dedicated sports watch should be at the top of the wearable wish list.
These devices require GPS with insights associated with heart rate tracking. The data provide another level of information about the sport of your choice and can take your training to the next level.
Head-Mounted Displays
Head-mounted displays generally fall into the categories of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). They are connected to a PC or game console and present computer-generated virtual reality to trick the brain into thinking it’s elsewhere.
In fact, AR headsets and data glasses improve the real world by placing virtual elements in the line of sight.
Large projector screens can appear on the walls of your living room, or games like The Sims and Minecraft can be played at your dining table! Another real-world application is finding recommended restaurants and turn-by-turn directions.
Hearables
Ear-worn wearables, otherwise known as hearables, are the fastest emerging segment of the wearable market. The most popular example is wireless earphones, which provide quick access to voice assistants. It also includes live translation tools, intelligent hearing aids, and a headset for virtual running coaching.
Some devices will enable you to combine bone conduction audio and AR visuals and give access to smart assistants in a pair of sunglasses!
How to Take Care of Wearable Tech
The most common question about wearable electronics is, “How do you clean this?”. Unlike clothes, bags, and other apparel, wearable tech accessories require a different kind of care. This guide describes the most common methods for cleaning portable electronics.
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other communication devices go with you everywhere. They can replace bank cards through contactless payments and be a substitute for your mobile phone.
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Evidently, bacterial transmission can occur if these gadgets are touched without proper cleaning. In addition, the microorganisms responsible for influenza and COVID-19 have been found to live on hard metal surfaces for up to three days, so it is important to clean them regularly.
Every type of wearable tech has different guidelines in cleaning. In ensuring that they are properly sanitized, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you want to disinfect your watch, earphones, or head-mounted displays properly, water alone is not enough, and it may destroy these devices.
Alcohol should also not be used because it can damage glass, metal, silicone, or some plastics.
Remove the Battery
First and foremost, remember to remove the battery before cleaning. The fiberglass, plastic, and metal that make up most circuits can get wet and move, but do not bend, short-circuit, or expose the battery to water or heat.
Read the Label
Next, read the label. What are they made of, and what components are in the circuit? Are they okay to machine-wash, or are they for chemical cleaning only? Never immerse device components that will be filled with water or have wires.
When washing the wearables, it is recommended to hang or lay them flat to dry. These methods are preferred over using a hairdryer.
Declutter Data
This is more about cleaning up the clutter of your device’s storage. The more storage space you use up, the slower a gadget gets. Setting a calendar reminder to do a data purge at least once a year is appropriate. There are plenty of tools offered by Apple or Google to get rid of data you haven’t touched for more than six months.
Protective Gear
Fourth, protect your equipment and make them fashionable with wearable tech accessories. Most wearable tech owners already know that they need to use a case to protect their device in case of drops.
A good case will safeguard your electronics from scratches and absorb the impact at the corners, edges, and back of your device. Carrying a gadget without protective equipment is similar to driving a car without a bumper.
Screen protectors are another form of protection, especially in cases of accidents. Keep in mind that a small scratch on a smartwatch screen will weaken its glass and increase the chances of breakage if you drop it.
Wearable Tech for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads, wearable technology has indeed become a savior and companion, allowing them to be productive on the road, conveniently monitor their progress, and communicate quickly.
The contributions of wearable tech to different sectors are limitless. From monitoring one’s health status and studying and learning through VR and AR to conducting online payments, its relevance, especially during the pandemic, is timelier than ever.
However, the more they are used, the more your gadgets become prone to external dangers. Taking care and cleaning them is crucial in extending their lives and maximizing their utility.
Author Bio:
Maki Ng
Writer
Maki is a writer for 0917 Lifestyle who’s always on the lookout for upcoming trends and isn’t afraid to test the waters with fashion-forward pieces. He loves vibing to lo-fi and R&B.
