This was the year the Vegas tech show truly embraced wearable technology
In previous years, it’s been hybrid tablet / laptops and room-sized ultra high resolution TVs that have dominated CES proceedings, but traditional tech certainly took a back seat in 2016.
If anyone was in any doubt whether wearable tech is here for the long run, you only have to take a look at not only the number of announcements, but the companies that were making those announcements.
From L’Oréal’s UV detecting patch to the Recon smart paintball mask, this year’s wearable showing has not just been about more smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Big companies and startups from all walks of life have been having their say on the evolution of wearable technology and not just simply jumping on the bandwagon. Although, there’s always a few of those as well.
So who will benefit most from the biggest CES announcements? We break down the industries set to gain the most from the latest wearable launches, plus one that still has some way to go.
WEAR – Sport
The world of sport and fitness has driven the adoption of wearable technology right from the start. Whether that’s been fitness trackers, running watches or more recently smart clothing, there’s been plenty available to aid performance.
At CES this year, it’s all been about catering for niche audiences. Take the updated Vert for instance, a device that’s capable of analysing an athlete’s jumping prowess. It sounds like a great fit for basketball players and has already been integrated into the regimes of the US womens’ national volleyball team. Now you can’t get more niche than volleyball can you?
NEARLY THERE – Fashion
Yes, wearables are finally starting to look less like ugly pieces of tech and that can only be a good thing. Fossil revealed this year that it’s planning to launch 100 wearables this year, with brands like Armani, Michael Kors and DKNY under its umbrella.
Mira also revealed new styles for its jewellery range and even companies like Samsung and Huawei are wising up to what it takes to make a good-looking wearable. Unfortunately, we’re still having to contend with the odd dress packed with lights being passed off as fashionable wearable tech, but the relationship between the two industries is certainly heading in the right direction.
SQUARE – Transport
Now we’re not talking transport of the two-wheeled variety. Cycling and wearables have enjoyed a good relationship so far with kit like Garmin’s Varia Vision grabbing the headlines at this year’s show. We’re actually talking about cars here. Aside from partnerships like Ford’s with the Apple Watch to control or find your car, there’s not been a great deal to talk about recently. Volvo announced this week it was letting Microsoft Band 2 users talk to their car to set up the navigation, turn on the heater or lock the doors.
Audi meanwhile revealed its looking at a system where it’ll pack the kind of sensors you find inside a fitness tracker into its cars. When paired with an smartwatch or tracker the car will be able to monitor heart rate and skin temperature to detect the driver’s driving style and breathing. There’s potential there for a great marriage between wearables and the automotive industry, but it’s not quite there yet. We’re sure it will be soon enough though.
