What Are the Different Types of Wearable Devices That Exist Today?

Projections show that the global smartwatch market will reach a size of $690.38 billion by 2026.

Smartwatches are just one of many types of wearable devices available. There are plenty of different products offering a range of features. Advancements in smart technology are being made very quickly, with newer, better devices being released each year.

For a rundown of some of the different types available today, keep reading.

SmartWatches

Did you know that smart watches are among the first, and best wearables available. Some big brands like Apple and Samsung have been making them for years. The latest devices tend to be very impressive.

They can connect to your smartphone and offer a range of features such as calling, messaging, music control, and more. Different smartwatches run their own operating systems and tend to offer the best functionality when paired with a smartphone from the same brand. Most are compatible with any smartphone, but you may want to match brands for the best performance.

Fitness Trackers

These have some similarities with smartwatches, but the main purpose is different. They connect to a smartphone in the same way but generally have fewer features related to the phone itself. Fitness trackers are instead more focussed on sports and exercise.

You can use a fitness tracker to monitor workouts, and they provide a range of metrics such as:

• Steps taken
• Heart rate
• Calories burned
• Distance walked

Some more advanced models even offer features like stress level tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring. These tend to be cheaper than smartwatches, and are often smaller.

Smart Jewellery

Some wearable technology is designed with a very significant focus on aesthetics – especially smart jewelry. Smart rings are one of the best options if you want to track your health with a very small wearable that doesn’t even look like a smart device.

Smart bangles and bracelets are also available, and some brands have plans to introduce smart earrings. These typically don’t have as much functionality as smartwatches. They are more suited for anyone looking for a less intrusive option.

Smart Clothing

The technology industry and fashion industry have never been more connected than they are now. Most smart devices are very small, but with clothing, there’s a lot more space for companies to work with.

Designers can incorporate some of the best technology with more impressive features. There aren’t many smart clothing products commercially available already, but some companies have a lot in the works.

Samsung, for example, is currently working on smart shirts that may be able to diagnose respiratory diseases. Smart shoes are another possibility that could assess the wearer’s running form.

There are plenty of other possible solutions that smart clothing could provide in the future. Things like location tracking and swimsuits that advise when to apply sunscreen are already in development.

The Future of Wearable Devices

Wearable devices haven’t been around for long, and are already hugely popular. It’s clear further advancements will be made in the coming years, and more people will make use of the various smart wearables available.

For more tech articles check out some of our other blog posts.