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Wearable technology is no longer something we read about or see in a science fiction setting. It’s here, it’s getting better and it’s impacting how we interact, socialize and communicate with the world around us. The number of devices created for self-improvement alone are staggering. First people were toting along laptops, then came our beloved smartphones, and now technological "firsts" have invaded people's wardrobes in ways that are dramatically altering everyday behaviors. When it comes to wearable tech, the future is now.
Addressing fitness and health habits fueled the growth of wearable technology exponentially. Nike+ Fuelband and FitBit paved the way for such gadgets as Google Glass and Lifelogger. Health monitors and fitness trackers appealed not only to the individual, but also to modern societies fixated on bettering themselves on a holistic level.
From there, improving the lives of others extended to their relationships. Connecting with friends, family and even strangers in the digital age has never been easier. Smart watches are one example of how everything from making a phone call to accessing social media networks have become more convenient.
Wearable technology has also greatly affected the medical field. Tracking devices are tweaked to monitor diseases and disorders for the young and old alike. Portable x-ray glasses and digital stethoscopes are also results of such developments, making doctors quicker and more accurate.
From the traditional consumer to the medical field and even third world countries, there are many "firsts" in wearable technology today improving the lives of many for tomorrow. Wearable technology holds people accountable for their actions while providing immediate solutions. Whether it is as simple as correcting postures or as complicated as avoiding landmines, these devices have never been more important and will continue to influence our everyday lives.
Has there been a "first" in wearable technology that changed your life? What are some of the inspiring gadgets out there today that you predict will impact our lives in the future?
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64 Pieces of Futuristic Wearable Tech
Innovations That Will Forever Change Our Everyday Lives (SPONSORED):
Meghan Young — Jun 16, 2014 — Fashion
65
Simplified Smartwatches
The Cyclus Watch by Holy Tracks Fitness and Interprets Smartphones
64
Programmable Hi-Tech Tees
TshirtOS Offers Users a Wearable and Interactive Digital Display
63
Retro Wearable Devices
The Fujitsu Glove Has an '80s Fashion Vibe
62
Smartphone-Connected Jewelry
Zazzi Jewelry Relays Phone Notifications and Alerts on Its Display
61
Internet-Connected Infant Onesies
The Intel Smart Turtle Warms Hearts at CES 2014
60
Vibrating Watch-Like Bracelets
The Durr Bracelet Makes People More Aware of the Passage of Time
59
Landmine-Detecting Loafers
This Wearable Landmine Detector Easily Slips into Shoes
58
DIY Wearable Tech Kits
The WaRPboard Platform by Freescale is Being Demoed at CES 2014
57
Specific Sport Trackers
The Amiigo Fitness Bracelet Recognizes Different Exercises and Activities
56
Chic Hi-Tech Jewelry
CuffLinc's Wearable Technology Promotes Style and Safety
55
All-Controlling Hi-Tech Jewelry
Ring by Logbar Inc. Boasts Gesture Control and Home Automation
54
Intelligent Moto-Helmets
'Skully Helmet' is Making 'Smart' Motorcycle Helmets
53
Affordable Tech-Controlling Garments
The Zuzance Hoodie Can Control Your Devices
52
Wearable Blinker Lights
The Zackees Turn Signal Gloves Increases Cyclist Safety When Turning
51
Brainwave-Sensing Gadgets
InteraXon's Muse Headband Aims to Improve Cognitive Ability & Awareness
50
Curvaceous Fitness Bands
The Samsung Gear Fit is a Curved Smartband that Mimics a Smartphone
49
Fashionable Tech Partnerships
Google and Luxottica Team up to Make Hip Wearable Technology
48
Personal Space Devices
Repel by Zac Ong Ensures Immediate Surroundings Are Never Smothers
47
Electronically Infused Women's Jewelry
Ringly is Trying to Make Wearable Tech More Female-Friendly
46
Specialized Fitness Trackers
The Notch Movement Capture Sensors is More Stylish and Precise
45
Accelerometer Fitness Bracelets
The Nike+ FuelBand Monitors Everyday Activities for Healthy Living
44
Blind-Aiding Sneakers (UPDATE)
The Le Chal Shoes Use GPS & Vibrations to Guide the Impaired
43
Glasses-Based Gaming Devices
The Samsung Galaxy Glasses Will Be Launching in Fall 2014
42
Digital Image-Projecting Apparel
Parson’s Creates Garments of the Future with Its New Techno
41
Superman X-Ray Eyewear
The Eyes-On Glasses System by Evena Medical Sees Through Skin
40
Infant Health-Monitoring Wristbands
The Baby's Fairy Monitors Body Temperature and Vital Signs
39
Oxygen-Monitoring Fitness Trackers
The Withings Pulse O2 Fitness Tracker Tracks Your Health Level
38
Clothing-Inspired Musical Instruments
DrumPants is a Wearable Instrument You Can Play Anywhere
37
Clean Breathing Brooches
The Electrolux Airpin Continuously Filters the Gases That Surround You
36
Augmented Reality Visors
'Skylens' Gives Arline Pilots a High-Definition Heads-Up Display
35
Text-Analyzing Assistance Rings
This Ring Analyzes Words on the Page and Reads Them for the User
34
Heart-Monitoring Jewelry
Pulse by Electricfoxy Ensures People Don't Overdo Their Workouts
33
Stylish Wearable Social Gadgets
The Sony Ericsson SmartWatch Connects You to Your Friends
32
Notification-Providing Wigs
Sony's SmartWig is a Smartphone Lodged in Your Hair
31
Wearable Gadget Harnesses
The Sospendo Holds Your Tablets, Smartphones & Cameras in Front of You
30
Productivity-Monitoring Wearable Devices
This Wearable Business Device Keeps Employees on Task
29
Rage-Preventing Gaming Headsets
The Immersion Headset Can Control Your Gaming Rage
28
Wearable Storytelling Devices
The Narrative Clip is a Wearable Device That Records Your Life
27
Wearable Athletic Speed Trackers
The XBand Speed Pro Tracks Athlete Speed, Agility & Other Data
26
Personal Scent Bands
The Senti8 Bracelet Grants Astronauts Fragrances from Home When in Space
25
Wearable Air Conditioners
The Wristify Bracelet Allows People to Control their Body Temperature
24
Playful Beauty-Enhancing Tech
TaliaYstudio Has Fun with Wearable Technology
23
Injury-Preventing Footwear
The Sensoria Socks Ensures People Distribute Weight Properly on Feet
22
Experience-Sharing Garments
The Onemile Project Sets a Precedent in Wearable Technology
21
Wearable Hotel Room Keys
Smart Bracelets at the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza Ensure Hassle-Free Visits
20
Epileptic Episode Trackers
Dialog by Artefact Helps Monitor and Manage Chronic Seizures
19
DIY Health Trackers
The Samsung Simband Prototype Ushers in an Open Platform for Designers
18
Coat-Controlled Phones
'Assembly' by Lorea Sinclaire Uses Bodily Gestures to Interact with Mobiles
17
Kiddie Phone-Watches
The Tinitell Phone Watch for Kids Keeps Kids Safe and Parents in the Loop
16
Wearable Kidney Devices
The Mobilysis Portable Dialysis Machine Gives Patients More Control
15
Hand-Sewn Tech Gear
Hanna Perner-Wilson Helps You Make Tech-Enhanced Clothing
14
Health-Monitoring Electronic Patches
John Rogers Creates a Commercial Stick-On Circuit Board
13
Treadmill Reading Devices
The Run-n-Read Makes It Easier to Read While on the Treadmill
12
Invisible Virtual Computer Keyboards
This Computer Keyboard is Invisible to Everyone But Its User
11
Brainwave-Controlled Cameras
Neurocam is a Hands Free Camera that Uses Brain Activity
10
Ear Motion-Gauging Computers
The Ear Switch is a Wearable Computer That Sits Behind the Ear
9
Audience Mood-Sensing Wristbands
The SXSW Interactive Experiences are Taking Things Up a Notch
8
Vivid Virtual Chronographs
The Watch-Me Wearable Device Provides Your Must-Know Info at Hand
7
Concealed Smartphone-Holding Shirts
The 'WTFShirt' Will Keep Your iPhone Safe at all Times
6
Punitive Wearable Technology
Tan’s Devices are Reality Mediators for Bad Habits and Laziness
5
Underwater Training Trackers
Instabeat for Swimmer Goggles Monitors Swimmers’ Fitness Scores
4
Wearable Epileptic Devices
RTI International Seizure Detector Texts Guardian When Episode Occurs
3
Comprehensive App-Enabled Smartwatches
The ZTE Bluewatch Gets its First Showcase at CES 2014
2
Zipper-Like Charging Bracelets
The ComboZip is for Fashion, Charging and Memory
1
Inconspicuous Phone Designs
The Phone Glove is an Interesting Step Towards Wearable Technology
Related Ideas
Conceptual AI-Powered Wearables
The Rabbit R1 AI Watch by Alisher Ashimov is Feature-Rich
Virus-Detecting Smartwatches
Designer Dot's VICLONE Smart Watch Detects Known Viral Infectants
Noninvasive Smartwatch Glucose Monitors
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Will Have Advanced Sensors
Smart Safety Helmets
SmartHat is the Construction Wearable of the Future
Malleable Wearable Smartphones
The Motorola Adaptive Display Concept Bends to Sit on the Wrist
Opulent Anniversary Smartwatch Concepts
This Apple Watch X Concept by Lukas Gehrer is Industrial
Smartphone-Controlling Sneakers
The Samsung Shortcut Sneaker Can Perform Five On-Device Actions
Productivity-Focused Smart Glasses
The ASUS AirVision M1 Has Dual 1080p Micro OLED Displays
Wellness Bone Conduction Wearables
The 'Era Sync' Wearable Device by Luca Persico is Futuristic
AI-Powered Productivity Wearables
The Limitless Pendant Helps Professionals Enhance Productivity
Smartwatch-Attached Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual Sony Smart Switch Ecosystem is All-in-One
Luxury Smartwatch Models
The Latest TAG Heuer Connected Wearables Come in Two Options
Wearable Temperature Control Units
The Sony REON POCKET 5 Offers 17-Hours of Climate Control
GenAI Eyewear Shows
Innovative Eyewear Launched the First Generative AI Fashion Show for Eyewear
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
Watch-Like Smart Phones
Fire-Boltt's WristPhone Offers Crystal-clear Calls and So Much More
Integrated Smartwatch Pillbox Concepts
The Apple Watch Pillbox is an Imagined Medical Design
TV Screen T-Shirts
The T-Shirt TV Has an Integrated 10-Inch HD Screen
Versatile Women-Focused Smartwatches
Garmin Unveils a Sleek New Wearable Smartwatch for Women
Next-Gen Connective Clothing
Spatial Labs' Core Powered by Circle Features Smart Chip Technology
Fashion-Forward Gadgets
This Open-Ear Earbud Concept Serves as a Functional Accessory
AI-Fueled Smartwatch Concepts
Rabbit Joins Teenage Engineering on the R1 Smartwatch Design
AI-Powered Healthcare Pods
CarePods are the World's First Artificial Intelligence Doctor's Offices
AI-Powered Smartwatch Designs
Crossbeats Unveils the New 'Crossbeats Nexus' Smartwatch
Clutch Purse Smartphone Concepts
The Honor V Purse Transforms the Mobile Device into an Accessory
Digital Footwear Experiences
Reebok Impact is a Next-Gen Shoe Experience with AI and Wearables
Autofocus-Providing Eyewear
This High-Tech Eyewear Boosts Focus On Objects In Your Central View
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
AI Outfit Search Engines
'I Have Nothing to Wear' Uses AI to Spark Fashion Inspiration
AI-Enhanced Wearable Pins
The Humane AI Pin is a Wearable Assistant Without a Screen
3D Fashion-Printing Technologies
'3DFashion' From Stratasys is Direct-to-Textile and Full-Color
Tablet-Integrated Fashion
The Lenovo Tab Wear Collection Explores the Concept of "Me Time"
Wearable Skin Sensors
HapSense Helps Scientists Accelerate the Analysis of Cosmetic Products
Wearable AI Smart Rings
The WIZPR RING Can Control a Smart Home Without the Need for a Remote
AI-Enabled Posture Wearables
The 'Straight+' Posture Monitoring Wearable Gently Trains the Body
AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Demonstrations
Vuzix® Will Lead Interactive Demonstrations at CES 2024
Hand-Worn Athlete Smart Displays
The 'zIng' Hand-Worn Smart Display by Anuj Pate is Intuitive
Strength Training Wearables
Whoop's Strength Training Feature Measures a Workout's Muscular Load
AI-Connected Sports Glasses
The QIDI Vida AR HUD Display is Built for Active Lifestyles
Next-Generation Screenless Fitness Monitors
Whoop 4.0 is Stylish, Efficient, and Precise
Healthy Habit-Promoting Wearables
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Has a Rotating Bezel
Blood Pressure-Tracking Smart Rings
The MOOV Ring Uses AI to Track 14 Different Measurements
AI Personal Trainers
Workout Tools Offers a Personalized Approach to Fitness
AI Virtual Try-On Tools
Outfit Changer AI Represents the Future of the Fashion Industry
Tech-Driven Sexual Wellness
Experience the Future of Intimacy
Activewear-Branded Smartphones
The Conceptual Adidas FOG Phone Highlights the Three Stripes Logo
AI-Fueled Wearable Pins
The Humane AI Pin is Packed with Various Assistive Tech Tools
Athletic Output-Analyzing Wearables
NNOXX One Tracks Muscle Oxygenation and Nitric Oxide Levels
Accessible Titanium Smart Rings
The 'Y-RING' Supports Health Monitoring, Gesture Control and More
Women's Wellness Rings
Evie Ring is a Wearable Seeking FDA Clearance as a Medical Device
AI-Interactive Smart Rings
The AI-Fueled Wizpr Smart Ring by VTouch has Proximity Sensors
Sleek Fitness Smartwatches
Garmin Unveils the New Forerunner Smartwatches with a 23-Day Battery
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Slender Metallic Smartwatches
The Apple Watch Series 10 Comes in Titanium and Aluminum
Hybrid Health-Tracking Smartwatches
The Withings ScanWatch Light Offers Health Guidance
Earbud-Equipped Smartwatches
The WatchOut WearPods Smartwatch Has a Multifunctional Design
Augmented Reality Stores
Zero10 is Debuting Its AR Store Prototype at Viva Technology in Paris
Interactive Phygital Hoodies
Beyond Dropped Three Hoodies with Physical & Digital Elements
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Flagship Health Wearable Smartwatches
The Google Pixel Watch 2 Integrates FitBit Technology
Senior-Targeted Wearable Devices
Lifeline Canada Debuts 'On The Go with Wandering'
Blood Pressure-Monitoring Smartwatches
The YHE BP Doctor FIT Takes Readings Around the Clock
Advanced Contextual Awareness Wearables
The Humane Ai Pin Connects Users Without Smartphones
Retro Gaming Wearables
The SPACE INVADERS™: My Play Watch Offers Nostalgic Gaming Fun
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Sporty Vital-Tracking Smartwatches
The Polar Vantage V3 Boasts a Triple-Sensor Array
Outdoor Fitness Parties
HUAWEI Hosted its 'Light Up Your Rings' Campaign with Pamela Reif
Health-Tracking Smart Rings
The 'Helio Ring' Monitors Exercise, Sleep and Health Metrics
Automated Insulin Delivery Wearables
The Tandem Mobi Works with or Without a Smartphone
Wearable Stress Management Monitors
Stress & Anxiety Monitor App is a Tool That Records Triggers
Touch Message Wearables
The Bond Touch 4 Helps People Stay Connected with Haptic Technology
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Intuitive Interface Wellness Wearables
The Fitbit Charge 6 Boasts 60% More Accuracy
AI Wellness Companions
NOWATCH Insights Delivers Personalized Well-Being Insights in a Custom Way
AI Companionship Necklaces
Friend Listens, Responds and Shares Life Experiences with Wearers
Self-Charging Fitness Trackers
The MOTHER Bracelet Doesn't Require Charging for Constant Wear
Muscle-Monitoring Health Wearables
The CLOMP Muscle Oxygen Monitor Captures Real-Time Data
Smart Stride-Sssisting Wearables
Hurotics H-Fit Fixes Your Stride for Training Athletes
Portable Health Monitoring Devices
The Fitrus Plus 3.0 is Packed with Various Upgrades
Fall-Detecting Smart Watches
The MobileHelp Smart is Always Connected to its Alert System
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Luxurious Canadian Athleticwear
First Health Apparel Was Designed for Comfort and Flexibility
AI-Powered Wearables
The Ai Pin Debuted at the Coperni 2024 Spring/Summer Show
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Health-Tracking Sleek Wearables
The Ring One Features a Plethora of Tracking Technology
Smartwatch Protection Bands
Moving Bodies Forward Launched an Impact Protection Band for Watches
Consumer Biowearable Device
Abbott Has Launched LingoTM in the United Kingdom
Fall-Ready Weatherized Advanced Apparel
nanamica Delivers Heartwarming Life-Tech Wear for FW24
Personalized Health Gadgets
Bevel Launched a New Product That Leverages Data from Wearable Devices
AI-Powered Measuring Tools
3DLook's New AI Tool Helps Accurately Measure the Body for Shopping
Kid-Friendly Tech Frames
myFirst Recently Unveiled Two New Digital Frames
Size-Replicating Try-On Technologies
Google Shopping Debuts Virtual Dress Try-Ons in the U.S.
Athletic Health-Focused Gadget Lines
Therabody Debuts Offerings Ahead of the 2024 Holiday Season
AI-Backed Digital Twins
Twin Health Has Created Digital Twins as an AI Experiment
Healthy Lifestyle VR Headsets
The Conceptual 'Portalverse' VR Headset Makes Fitness More Fun
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
AR Fashion Creations
The ETERNITEE AR Platform Enhances Consumer Interaction
Two-Way Kids Messaging Wearables
The BoT Talk Communicator Keeps Kids Connected to Parents
Life-Logging Digital Journals
The Apple Journal Life Tracker Was Unveiled at WWDC 2023
Shape-Shifting Vest Designs
TerraOmni Vest (1) Offers a Range of Features to On-the-Go Adventurers
Nap-Detecting Smartwatches
This Fitness Smartwatch Incorporates Naps Into Your Rest Metrics
Sensor-Enabled Performance Running Tracks
Feldspar Limited Aims to Revolutionize Live Sports
AI Body Measuring Platforms
Fytted is a New Virtual Fitting Room Tool for 600 Popular Brands
AI Outfit Inspiration
Outfit AI Offers Endless Outfit Possibilities
Optimized Health Data
Habit Dash Aggregates Data from All Your Different Sources and Wearables
Haute Health-Minded Smartwatches
The Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant is Medical-Grade
AI-Powered Stylists
FitCheck AI Provides Real-Time Analysis and Personalized Recommendations
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Comprehensive Health Care Suites
Bright Sits on the Intersection of Technology and Health
IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons
This Traffic Beacon Concept Changes According to Needs
Augmented Reality Swim Goggles
Form Debuts the Smart Swim 2 & the Product is Available Globally
Portable Holographic Displays
Looking Glass Go Shares Memories as 3D Holograms, Not Photos
Health-Focused Smart Rings
Samsung Showcases the Galaxy Ring to Track Health Stats
AI Clothing Try-Ons
Google's AI Shopping Feature Shows How Apparel Looks on Real Models
Phygital Luxury Sneakers
The Dior B33 Sneakers Use NFC Tech to Link to a Digital Twin
Luxe Health-Tracking Timepieces
The Withings ScanWatch Nova Has a Stainless Steel Construction
Vibrational Gamer Belts
The Feelbelt Haptic Audio Wearable Enhances Game Immersion
Stride-Assisting Wearables
Evolve MVMT Can Improve a User's Gait
Wearable Skin Protection Devices
A.C. Camargo Cancer Center Launches a Wearable UV Detector
Miniature Haptic Communicators
ONECOM's FINTIN V1 is a CES 2024 Innovation Award Winner
Activity-Tracking Watch Upgrades
The New MyFitnessPal Updates Allows Users to Track Workouts
Cognitive Performance Measurement Wearables
The 'Pylot' Productivity Wearable Uses EEG
Contemporary Skiwear Capsules
DKNY Tech Enters the Sports Market with Its First Skiwear Collection
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Personalized Fitness Plan Smartwatches
The Amazfit Active Smartwatch Has a BioTracker PPG Sensor
Wearable Health-Management Sunglasses
The 'iSportWear' from 'ITRI' Monitors Physiological Data
Heart-Monitoring Earbuds
Sennheiser's New Innovation are Revolutionizing Audio Technology
Mobility Assistive Wearable Devices
WIRobotics Unveils the WIM Mobility Assist Wearable
Wellness Energy-Monitoring Smartwatches
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 Features Body Battery Monitor
Disease-Detecting Medical Wristbands
Teltonika is Developing a Heart Disease-Detecting Band
Tech-Equipped Eyewear Designs
Nautica Debuts a Collection of Smart Eyeglasses with Bluetooth Audio
Integrated Smart Eyewear
The Titan Eyex Has a Fitness Tracker Built Into the Design
Color-Changing Smart Fabrics
Researchers at UoW in Ontario Develop a Smart Material
Body-Scanning Wellness Subscriptions
Zozofit 2.0 Introduces Body Shape Scanning via a Smartphone
Holistic Fitness Trackers
WayFit is a Wellness App That Caters to Individual Fitness Journeys
Virtual Personal Trainers
Jamie's Fit Uses AI To Improve Health and Wellness For Anyone
Wearable Rugby Reports
England’s Red Roses' Apparel Draws Attention to the Gender Gap in Sports
Movement-Monitoring Smart Pants
These Pants Use Optical Fibers to Detect Wearers' Activities
Personalized Lifelong Digital Journals
Now and When is a Digital Journal That Moves Through Life