Wearable Tech

Posted by terraolsen on June 16, 2014 in Fashion, Science/Tech | Leave a comment

By: Terra Clarke Olsen

The past few years have seen a rise in wearable tech and it’s becoming apparent that this isn’t a trend that’s going to slow down anytime soon. Rather, we’re going to see a rise of more and more wearable tech that is embraced by the masses. Especially as wearable tech becomes more fashion forward. Here are just a few designs that are setting the standard for what wearable tech should embody aesthetically:

The Cuff is a revolutionary piece of fashion security. Every piece of jewelry has a button that when pushed sends out an alert to a group of people that you’ve selected, letting them know your location and that you need help (they’ll also receive information regarding your allergies, insurance, and medical history). (They also have a keychain option, if you’re not the jewelry wearing type.)

Retails from $45 to $150.

 

Ringly is a cocktail ring that buzzes to alert you to notifications on your phone. There are four vibration patterns that you set for different notifications (e.g. it can tell if you have an upcoming appointment or have received an email), and you can also designate the color of it’s flashing light to a particular person (e.g. phone call from your spouse). This allows you to keep your phone put away, while ensuring you don’t miss an important message.

Retails $145 to $180. Pre-order now.

 

Everpuse designs wallets and clutches that charges your smart phone while you’re on the go. And they don’t require cables or wires. Currently they’re only taking pre-orders for their mini, but the clutch is coming soon!

Retails from $129 to $249.

 

 

Nod designs a ring that lets you control your domain. It translates your movements into commands, allowing you to change the heat, dim the lights, or flip your presentation slid on your laptop all with a slight movement from your hand.

 

 

 

Retails at $149. Pre-order now.

Companies are finally starting to realize that visual design is just as important as the technological design when it comes to wearable tech. It might be a cool and handy idea, but if it’s not pretty, the masses won’t want it.

(I think there are also some philosophical questions that remain unanswered in the wearable tech phenomenon since we’re already treading on thin ice in regards to being too connected…but that’s a post for another day.)