The fashion trend dubbed “Wearable Tech” in Silicon Valley (but seen all over and highlighted by Google Glass) is taking the world by storm.
Did you know that fashion is one of the most prominent tech trends right now? Isn’t that crazy? However, these ten new breakthroughs in the world of wearable technology are blowing our minds, from health to privacy to straight-up stunning design.
1. Radiate Athletics: Workout Tech
Fitness-related wearable technology excites our inner gym rat. With so many devices on the market, such as the Jawbone UP and Nike+ Fuelband, it’s always exciting to see a brand try something new and different to better our health.
Radiate Athletics does this perfectly. They’re making wearable training gear that responds to your body’s activity. In addition, it displays how hard you’ve been working in real-time. The color of the garment changes and spotlights the muscles you’re working on. This allows you to see how effective your workout is.
2. Sesame Ring: Travel Tech
Have you ever dug through your suitcase looking for your public transportation card? Worse, have you ever been late for a bus or train because you couldn’t find it?
This simple, 3D-printed ring is meant to take the place of those cards. In addition, it promises to make your travel more efficient. The Sesame Ring was successfully financed on Kickstarter. They currently only operate in the Massachusetts Bay Area. Perhaps this will change soon!
3. Daredroid: Fun Bar Technology
This cocktail-making gown is about the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. Seriously. The company designed it for waitresses or bartenders. Furthermore, it dispenses drinks according to certain rules. It will dispense juice when it detects your presence.
However, here’s the fun part! You have to earn the booze you’ll need to finish your cocktail. In order to do that, you’ll have to play a game of Truth or Dare and respond correctly. However, don’t approach too close to the dress or the person wearing it. If you do, the system will shut down and you will not be able to get your drink. Therefore, maintain a safe distance. This may be a fun approach to creating a unique bar experience. In addition, it might even be a fun party game. (Just a thought.)
4. NFC Ring: The Wearable Key
The NFC ring is a ring with embedded data. It lets you operate your technology and transfer information with simple motions. It also received its funding on Kickstarter.
The ring is used as a key. These are the two coolest applications on the gadget right now. It can be used to unlock any NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet with a single touch. In addition, it can also be used to control an NFC-enabled front door lock. It includes separate public and private data inlays. This allows you to communicate contact information and passwords without fear of them being stolen.
5. Ping: Hoodie Phone Control?
This hooded top is intended to be the first social networking clothing. It is relatively simple to use. It will link to your Facebook account. In addition, it will carry out tasks based on your actions. It will Like, Comment, or Friend you if you pull up your hood, tie a bow, and zip it up.
It’s only a concept right now, and it’s a little crazy. However, the thought of being able to access social media without having to pull out your phone is really cool. In addition, it’s a touch spooky.
6. Sensoree: Clothing with Feeling
This is a clothing brand that makes clothes that displays “extimacy,” or externalized intimacy. (This week’s challenge: utilize the word in a sentence with someone.)
Essentially, the clothing changes color shades to reflect the wearer’s emotions. If you’re feeling peaceful, it’ll turn blue, and if you’re feeling excited, it’ll turn pink. Sensors that monitor biological rhythms are used to accomplish this. Maybe you’re not sure if you want everyone to know our every feeling. However, it could be good to check if your boss is enraged just by looking at a shirt.
7. Insider Bands: Wearable Tech for the Music Lover
This is a product that leverages wearable technology to make music festivals even better. In addition, it just debuted at Outside Lands.
Festivalgoers wear an NFC-enabled wristband. It allows them to check into areas, snap photos, and send messages to their friends. This lets music fans capture their favorite moments even when mobile service is restricted. In addition, it helps them instantly locate their pals in a large crowd.
8. Stealth Wear: Wearable Tech for the Cautious
Stealth Wear is similar to WiFi-blocking wallpaper. This wearable technology is great for the slightly paranoid but not quite insane individual.
It sports counter-surveillance fashion. It offers thermal imaging protection. In addition, it protects from incoming and outgoing phone signals. Okay, so it’s a touch paranoid. However, you can appreciate the growing focus on personal privacy in this country.
9. Sensoria: The Fitness Tracker
This is a wearable fitness tracker. However, instead of wrapping around your wrist like others, it comes in the form of a sock!
That’s true, slip this under your shoe and it will track your activity. In addition, it will also identify and improve your form. Likewise, this is excellent for joggers who are prone to injury.
10. Hand Tech: Hand Projection and More
Whoa. Unfortunately, this is still only a wearable tech concept. However, it’s so cool anyway.
You could use your hands to project, take images, share data, and record videos with this glove. It also has the ability to translate sign language. The concept is amazing. Here’s hoping that they will be commercially viable. That way, everyone can (literally) get their hands on them.
