Electronic devices called “wearables,” or wearable technology, can be worn as accessories, embedded in clothing, implanted in the body, or tattooed on the skin.
Our skin has been touched by the digital revolution. Technology is becoming ingrained in our bodies and permeating every aspect of our daily lives, no longer being limited to our pockets and desktop computers. We live in the age of wearable technology, and 2024 looks to be a major turning point for the field. The boundaries between a device and a garment are becoming hazier due to developments in bio-integration, artificial intelligence, and miniaturization, which will lead to a time when gadgets become extensions of who we are.
AI is present everywhere, even on your wrist
AI is currently a popular buzzword. It will become completely meaningless in 2024 due to excessive use by desperate corporate marketing departments. However, don’t stress over that. While some consumer tech companies will just talk the talk, others will actually put AI to work in their products by thoughtfully adding AI-based features.
In the future, Windows will include a dedicated AI chatbot button on desktop keyboards. How might wearable technology be integrated with AI? With ChatGPT Voice support built in, the Black Shark S1 Pro, a smartwatch designed for avid gamers, is set to launch soon. This will probably enable users to perform a far wider range of voice-activated tasks than what Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri can currently do.
An increased emphasis on wearables not based on wrists
One of the most well-liked smart rings available is the Oura Ring, which tracks sleep, exercise, and recuperation. In contrast to the majority of common fitness trackers, like Fitbits and Apple Watches, the Oura is relatively low-key; to the untrained eye, it looks like any other stainless steel band.
A refresh of the current Oura Ring to Generation Four is probably in store for 2024. We believe the new gadget will be more health-focused, have a slimmer design, and maybe even accept digital payments.
It looks like Samsung will also release its own smart ring soon possibly even next week.
In 2024, a new flagship Movano Evie Ring with an even stronger emphasis on tracking women’s health should also be released. Additionally, it’s likely that a monthly subscription won’t be needed for the updated Evie, unlike the Oura Ring Gen 3.
Will more major tech companies like Apple or Google release smart rings? Maybe. Although it is still small, the smart ring market is expanding.
Enhanced observation for severe medical conditions
The majority of contemporary smartwatches monitor heart rate, stress levels, and the quality of sleep. In order to keep an eye out for any indications of an irregular heartbeat that could point to atrial fibrillation, or AFIB, a potentially fatal condition, many models also have onboard electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors.
New smartwatches coming out in 2024 will be able to check for an even greater variety of dangerous medical disorders, such as sleep apnea and hypertension. Both are silent killers that may go unnoticed and cause a stroke or heart failure.
For example, the upcoming Apple Watch 10 is designed to use some sort of wrist-based blood pressure monitoring to check for hypertension symptoms. In the meantime, if significant abnormalities in breathing patterns are found, sleep apnea alerts may be generated.
Naturally, Apple is not the only company that we anticipate releasing enhanced health monitoring technology. If the FDA gives its approval in the US, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is also expected to feature blood pressure readings on the wrist.
A greater assortment of pet health wearables
While GPS dog collars with subscription services have been available for some time, pet wearables that are only intended to monitor a pet’s health, such as their sleep patterns, diet, and physical activity, are starting to proliferate.
FitBark, for example, offers its product both with and without an integrated GPS. Similar to this, PitPat, a UK-based company, offers two versions of its dog activity monitor based on your needs and subscription price tolerance.
Pet health-tracking wearables, in the form of collars and collar accessories, should be more widely available in 2024. Additionally, keep an eye out for established tech firms branching out into pet wellness. What would a “Apple iDog” collar look like? What about a “Fitbit Woof”?
An ongoing series of court cases
Finally, 2024 promises to be yet another exciting year filled with legal battles involving intellectual property, trade secrets that have been stolen, copyright infringement, and other issues.
With regard to its blood oxygen monitoring technology, Apple is currently engaged in a multi-year legal battle that might or might not conclude in a grand finale in 2024. And that’s just one of the many patent issues the massive Cupertino company is dealing with. Apple has been accused of patent theft by AliveCor, a different manufacturer of medical devices. Although the case is still pending, a decision will probably be made shortly.
The New York Times’ recent copyright infringement lawsuit against OpenAI, the company behind the well-known AI-based ChatGPT, is another interesting one to watch. The Times claims that OpenAI used copyrighted content to train its bots. The decision may have a significant impact on when and how popular tech wearables incorporate artificial intelligence features.
FAQS
What is an example of wearable technology?
Modern wearable technology includes smartwatches, fitness trackers like the Fitbit Charge, VR headsets, smart jewelry, web-enabled glasses, and Bluetooth headsets.
Why is wearable technology used?
Health monitoring is common with wearable technology. A device in close contact with the user can easily collect data. It began with the 1980 invention of wireless ECG.
Who benefits from wearable technology?
Because wearable technology makes it simpler for patients, caregivers, and hospital staff to stay in touch and engage with their loved ones, it has the potential to completely transform the healthcare industry.
