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RE: My top 10 favourite wearable products – what’s next?

cstanton — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 16:08:05 GMT

Do you still use it much? Since I picked up the Nexus 6P the fingerprint reader won out for convenience.

My top 10 favourite wearable products – what’s next?

jwatson — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 21:06:34 GMT

Most of the noise on wearables has revolved around fitness trackers and smart watches over the past couple of years, but I wanted to summarise my top 10 favourite finds across the wearables category to demonstrate wearables do extend beyond the wrist.

These examples could inspire you to design and embed within your own wearable, copycat or buy to wear right now!

Hopefully these products might also inspire you to join the element14 Safe & Sound Wearables Design Challenge before the concept submission date of 27^th January 2017 - enter to be in with a chance of receiving a free Kit. Great prizes are also up for grabs for two final winners!

Learn More

1. Adafruit 1657 Gemma Wearables Starter Pack (RRP £20.61)
Adafruit Industries have launched an affordable DIY wearables starter pack that anyone can get their head around. Included is everything you need to make a basic project. There's a GEMMA board, four sewable bright RGB pixels, a battery holder and batteries, 2-ply conductive thread, and crocodile clips.

[View:/resized-image/__size/215x140/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/7840.contentimage_5F00_78404.png:215:140]

2. Electro Fashion Sewable LED Kit & Projects (RRP £21.50)

This kit has been compiled by Kitronik to equip teachers of 7-14 year olds with basic consumables for up to 5 simple projects, even with no prior electronic expertise. Also suitable for parents and hobbyists.
[View:/resized-image/__size/185x271/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/1121.contentimage_5F00_78405.png:185:271]

3. NXP WaRP7 Wearable Reference Platform (RRP £82)
All components included in this system were selected based on low power, small form factor and cost and will speed the initial design phase so much so, freeing developers to focus on creating differentiated features.
The WaRP7 platform consists of a main board and a daughter card. The main board is based on the NXP i.MX 7Solo applications processor that features an advanced implementation of the ARM[emoticon:6abd1cb2558648488dbea31d006afc59] Cortex[emoticon:6abd1cb2558648488dbea31d006afc59]-A7 core, as well as the ARM[emoticon:6abd1cb2558648488dbea31d006afc59] Cortex[emoticon:6abd1cb2558648488dbea31d006afc59]-M4 core. The daughter card is based on a flexible design with sensors to collect a range of data and the MikroBus[emoticon:7d377b609b6f44bf9290e3d8a0b9a733] expansion socket opens users to over 200 Click Boards[emoticon:7d377b609b6f44bf9290e3d8a0b9a733], allowing rapid prototyping across all potential wearable usage models.

4. TOM TOM Adventurer Cardio + Music (RRP 269.99)
As a sportswoman formerly involved in wearable’s design, it’s nice to see some choice finally coming on to the market after 15 years of saying wearable’s is the ‘next big thing in sportswear’, although the conversation still revolves most around wrist wear. It is true that choosing a smart watch really depends on your use... and the Fitbit range can satisfy most gym-goers and leisure users wanting to track their steps and sleep no problem, but for me I have been waiting for a multisport ensemble that does everything, and isn’t too heavy on my wrist and has a decent display, has working GPS functionality and now it’s here all wrapped up as the Tom Tom Adventurer smart watch. This baby also has the best battery life of anything else on the market with a heavy spec. It’s new so get your order in now to get ahead![View:/resized-image/__size/215x205/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/4572.contentimage_5F00_78406.png:215:205]

5. FITBIT FB103BK Wireless Activity + Sleep Trackers (RRP £88.63)
In a world where individuals are sleeping less and scientists are telling us that the lack of sleep is the cause of many illnesses, tracking our dormancy is as important as tracking our fitness. Small IoT aids like the Fitbit FB103BK can be worn discreetly in a pocket, belt or bra and will monitor activity as well as how long and how well we sleep and can wake us (and not our partner) with a silent alarm.[View:/resized-image/__size/208x215/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/8867.contentimage_5F00_78407.png:207:215]

6. HANNspree SW1BSC1B Prime Smartwatch (RRP £56.94)
Everyone wants an affordable smart watch and the Pebble is definitely up there and you probably know all about them, but have you heard of the HANNspree Prime? It’s a SmartPhone and Smart Fitness Watch at an absolute bargain price!
Impressively, it contains most of the features and functionality of a full smartphone and would be a perfect accessory if you were posing as Michael Knight calling Kit to taxi you home after the New Year’s celebrations! With Bluetooth connectivity, and an integrated quad-band GSM SIM card slot allows you to stay connected away from your phone. It features a 1.54” capacitive touch display, 4 hours talk time, built-in 0.3MP camera with video recorder, video player, pedometer and more...[View:/resized-image/__size/108x271/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/0447.contentimage_5F00_78408.png:108:271]

7. X-Strike for Runners (Awaiting Funding)
X-STRIKE is an open-source real-time running performance monitoring and feedback platform, which is aimed at runners recording their own foot strikes and comparing their own foot strike patterns against a role-model runner in the connected network; the objective being to improve one’s own performance. What makes it even more impressive is that the platform is actually 3 interlinked wearables in one worn on the bicep, hand, insole that communicate to generate a 3D locomotion graphy.[View:/resized-image/__size/213x220/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/7384.contentimage_5F00_78409.png:213:220]

8. Bling Bra: a DIY Wearable, Sexy, Connected IoT Bra Project[View:/resized-image/__size/224x293/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/7317.contentimage_5F00_78410.png:224:293]

Here’s a great DIY intermediate project to follow - simply by adapting any off-the-shelf bra using Arduino MKR1000, Neopixels and controllable by your smartphone to do what you like in the name of fun.

[View:/resized-image/__size/226x170/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/4667.contentimage_5F00_78411.png:226:170]

ALSO: A concept bra with a more serious side (not available to buy yet), nonetheless a great idea is a winner of the UK Royal College of Art 2015 Awards - the Euphoros Connected Bra, which can detect both activity (i.e. movement) and social activity levels (i.e. the amount of conversation the mother has measured using a mic). Euphoros is a prototyped wellbeing wearable that connects to partners, doctors and carers via Bluetooth and a companion app. One in seven women suffer from postnatal depression, according to the UK NHS and Euphoros is one of a suite of empathic technology products and has been designed to limit depression and loneliness by improving engagement within new families; building more of a caring network for new mums.

9. Oculus Rift VR Headset (RRP £549)
A top ten wouldn’t be complete without the best of VR entertainment devices, and the Oculus Rift still tops the device leaderboard for immersing yourself in to three-dimensional game and movie worlds. It plugs into your computer's DVI and USB ports and tracks your head movements to provide 3D imagery on its stereo screens. Now owned by facebook, no doubt this product will offer us more in the future.[View:/resized-image/__size/230x130/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/5756.contentimage_5F00_78412.png:230:130]

10. Oakley Radar Pace (RRP £400)
Rounding out my top ten is my favourite hearable. Although Oakley was the first to integrate audio in to their Pace years ago, their technology has now advanced to offer intelligent coaching audio. They do need to pair with your smartphone, but the conversational AI is awesome and learns your habits over time.[View:/resized-image/__size/235x133/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/8484.contentimage_5F00_78413.png:235:133]

So, there you have it.

I’m looking forward to seeing all the rumours around the new Snapchat AR glasses, smart rings/jewellery, stress busting/emotion sensing devices, temporary tattoos/implantables, wearable payments, sportswear, safety and connected smart home wearables come to fruition in 2017...let’s wait and see![View:/resized-image/__size/248x200/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/3678.contentimage_5F00_78414.png:248:200]

What wearables inventions do you think will be next?

Please share your own favourites with others in the comments below [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/157/2021.contentimage_5F00_1.png:16:16]

RE: My top 10 favourite wearable products – what’s next?

rsc — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 14:25:20 GMT

I have a couple NFC embedded rings, and they are very useful for sharing contact info and unlocking devices.

www.nfcring.com

Scott

RE: My top 10 favourite wearable products – what’s next?

jwatson — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 10:04:51 GMT

Of course! The hearing aid has literally changed the lives of millions...often patients wearing 2.

RE: My top 10 favourite wearable products – what’s next?

Jan Cumps — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 22:22:51 GMT

Maybe the hearing aid? One of the first ever wearable electronic devices - and improved from a battery-eating help to a low-power, almost invisible aparatus.

RE: My top 10 favourite wearable products – what’s next?

jwatson — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 21:15:50 GMT

Check out the SKULLY AR-1 bluetooth connected motorcycle helmet, which is capable of displaying navigation routes, handsfree communications and a wide angle rear-view camera - the inventors say that the AR technology enhances human capability!

Great real-life safety IoT product that will no doubt save lives as well as enhance the ride experience.

https://youtu.be/ZdcWd594lRw

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

spannerspencer — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:58:32 GMT

A Pip Boy would be awesome for cosplayers! That'd go nuts on social media

Do it do it do it do it!

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

DAB — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:18:23 GMT

I will pass as my other commitments already take up my time.

I will soon be releasing Volume 10 of my Sea War series "Il Duce Deposed" and an update to my new theory called "Reverse Engineering The Universe".

So I think you can understand my decision.

DAB

What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

jwatson — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:44:35 GMT

Over the past decade, so much has been written about the limitless possibilities of Wearable Tech and how clothing, particularly in the sports apparel and safety workwear markets will revolutionise the way we live.

The debates now are mostly around integrated 'connectivity' and 'control' devices.

What wearable tech have you seen that will make the world a safer place?

Share your favourites with us here.

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

jwatson — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 17:15:13 GMT

Fab. Make sure you enter Don

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

jwatson — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 17:14:12 GMT

Sounds good Lucie - you should enter our new SAFE & SOUND Design Challenge - just click the ENROL button and complete the form by 27th January! Nothing stopping anyone entering at anytime - even if they buy their own Texas Instruments MSP432 Performance Launchpad, post atleast 10 blogs from 15th Feb 2017 and submit finished project by deadline of 9:00 GMT on 12th May 2017.

For Terms & Conditions >

Go for it!

Jane

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

Former Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 16:52:09 GMT

Im considering whether to submit an application for a Pip Boy, just need to think it through, work out what others components would be needed and make sure I have the time to complete the challenge

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

WarrenW — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 01:36:23 GMT

Hi,

Some of the New Zealand (and others now I think) rugby teams are using a jersey with a GPS unit mounted in a special pocket to trace acceleration and meters run etc. Just recently a university here added an accelerometer G meter to track impact forces and the results were staggering. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/83525452/otago-rugby-players-to-wear-electronic-chip-to-measure-concussion…

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

DAB — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 19:17:46 GMT

Hi Jane,

I think the best use of wearable technology is health monitoring.

We have the ability to monitor vital signs and detect when someone falls.

It would be very easy to add panic buttons and detect screams for help.

The key to the success will be a monitoring capability that can quickly move assistance to those in need.

If people know there is rapid help available, then they will be more likely to buy and use the wearable technology.

Otherwise it is just another toy.

DAB

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

jwatson — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 18:00:31 GMT

I like that Jan. I think this Challenge lends itself well to safety wear for the workplace and hi-vis vests are so commonplace in so many environments. Great suggestion!

RE: What safety wearable tech will inspire makers and professionals?

Jan Cumps — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:55:13 GMT

I haven't seen easy-to-use safety wear for people working in closed freezer rooms, in a stable's cesspit or other dangerous locations with very little oxygen.

A fluorescent jacket that can measure air quality, environment + body temperature and activity of heart and lungs.

Maybe sensors to check if you are in a horizontal position for a certain period, if you make a sudden move (fall) or no move at all.

Or that alert the outside world that the light has gone out where you are working.

A beep sound and a blinking light that can be switched on remotely by a rescue team to help locate you.