The popularity of wearable technology is on the rise, it is expected that by 2020 the market of wearable will be whopping $34 billion. The year 2015 was dominated by smartwatches and fitness trackers and will continue to dominate the trend in 2016 too. As per the reports from eMarketer 39.5 million U.S. adults above the age of 18 used wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness tracker.
Here is a list of some of the wearable tech trends of 2016.
5 Wearable Tech Trends To Watch In 2016
1. Virtual Reality Tech
The year 2016 will see the rise of VR tech which includes Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive which will change the gaming and entertainment industry for sure. Some of the best VR headsets are Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft HoloLens and Google Cardboard.
Sony PlayStation VR will be launched before Christmas at an expected price of $399 with some of the best VR games like Star Wars Battlefront, Eagle Flight, Rez Infinite and much more.
2. Smart Clothes
Forget smartwatches and bands, Smart Clothes is going to be the future of wearables. The idea of Smart Clothes is not new, many companies like Samsung, Google,Hexo Skin, Under Armour, OMSignal are behind the making of Smart Clothes for all the ages and gender.
Some of the smart clothes includes a business suit by Samsung which has NFC buttons hidden, smart T-shirt by Ralph Lauren, solar powered jacket by Tommy Hilfiger, Google is also working with Levis to come up with smart clothes.
The smart clothes will have sensors which will track fitness data of the person who wears it.
3. Smart Shoes
The future of wearable technology is getting bigger with companies like Samsung and Altra taking a dip into manufacturing smart shoes which will provide you feedback which will help you to improve your overall running performance.
Altra, a running shoes manufacturing company has partnered with iFit, the smart shoe has very thin sensors hidden inside the soles of the shoes which provides you data on speed, distance traveled and more by linking the shoe with the iFit app on your smartphone which helps you to improve your over all performance. The smart shoe is light weight and has long lasting batteries with sensor.
Samsung is also coming up with smart shoes called as Iofit developed by Salted Venture which includes embedded sensors which helps in improving your balance and posture. The Iofit smart shoes will send the data to connected Android app which will provide you feedback on your posture and balance. The smart shoe by Samsung is expected to be priced at $200.
4. Wearable Tech Payments
Wearables are now included in making contactless payments while checking at the store or making payment online. No need to carry your debit or credit card in your wallet when you visit a retail store next time.
Apple Watch which dominated the wearable tech in 2015 is used in the US and the UK to make payment. Paying through Apple Watch is safe and secure, debit card/credit card information is not stored.
By using a smart wristband Nymi, the wearer can authenticate himself using biometrics, passwords and PINs can be easily changed by using the heartbeat of the wearer.
Some of the other wearable payment devices includes Samsung Gear S2, Lyle & Scott bPay jacket and Jawbone UP4.
Master Card is backing Nymi and other wearables to make contactless payment as they increase personal security.
5. Smart Home Integrated with Wearable Tech
Wouldn’t it be great if your home could know you by your heartbeats or adjust temperature when you come after a long jog or turn-on or turn-off lights for you automatically ! Yes, future smart home can distinguish between family members and guests by authenticating your identity using a wearable device on your wrist and perform other stuffs like turning lights on or off just like sci-fi.
The popularity of wearable tech will continue to grow in 2016, as per reports 81.7 million users will be using wearables by 2018. If you are looking forward to excel in the wearable tech world, the fully online Master of Business Administration from Grace College prepares business leaders for innovation in a demanding marketplace by imparting them with the required knowledge and skills.