nov 1, 2014 - WEARABLE TEACHNOLOGY
Description:
Description: 2014 was called as the 'Year of wearable technology' as Apple watches and activity trackers came into the limelight. Since then, we have seen several technology advancements and wearable technology trends, which have been effective in luring more customers to this market.
History: Depending on the definition used for “technology,” the first wearable technology can be traced back as far as the 13th century, when eyeglasses were invented. Later, in the 16th century, the earliest portable and wearable clocks, Nuremberg eggs, were invented. They were designed to be worn around the neck and became a popular status symbol in Europe until pocket watches and wristwatches arrived. Another early example of wearable technology came in the form of an abacus ring, during the 17th century in China.
The first wearable computer was created by mathematics professor Edward Thorp in the 1960s. In his book “Beat the Dealer,” Thorp revealed that he built a computer small enough to fit into a shoe in order to cheat at roulette. A timing device helped predict where the ball would land on a roulette table, giving Thorp and co-developer Claude Shannon a 44 percent edge in the game.
Special Features: Convenience of a phone in a small and smart watch.
Uses:
In sports
In professional sports, wearable technology has applications in monitoring and real-time feedback for athletes. Examples of wearable technology in sport include accelerometers, pedometers, and GPS's which can be used to measure an athlete's energy expenditure and movement pattern.
In promoting wellness and health
Wearable technology is often used to monitor a user's health. Given that such a device is in close contact with the user, it can easily collect data.
Wearables can be used to collect data on a user's health including:
•Heart rate
•Calories burned
•Steps walked
•Blood pressure
•Release of certain biochemicals
•Time spent exercising
•Seizures
In gaming
The gaming industry has always incorporated new technology. The first technology used for electronic gaming was a controller for Pong. The way users game has continuously evolved through each decade. Currently, the two most common forms of gaming is either using a controller for video game consoles or a mouse and keyboard for PC games.
In 2012, virtual reality headsets were reintroduced to the public. VR headsets were first conceptualized in the 1950s and officially created in the 1960s. The creation of the first virtual reality headset can be credited to Cinematographer Morton Heilig. He created a device known as the Sensorama in 1962.[66] The Sensorama was a videogame like device that was so heavy that it needed to be held up by a suspension device. There has been numerous different wearable technology within the gaming industry from gloves to foot boards.
In fashion
Fashionable wearables are “designed garments and accessories that combines aesthetics and style with functional technology. Garments are the interface to the exterior mediated through digital technology. It allows endless possibilities for the dynamic customization of apparel. Wearables are made from a functionality perspective or from an aesthetic perspective. When made from a functionality perspective, designers and engineers create wearables to provide convenience to the user. Moreover, smart fabrics have a direct interaction with the user, as it allows sensing the customers' moves. This helps to address concerns such as privacy, communication and well-being.
In military
Wearable technology within the military ranges from educational purposes, training exercises and sustainability technology. The technology used for educational purposes within the military are mainly wearables that tracks a soldier's vitals. By tracking a soldier's heart rate, blood pressure, emotional status, etc. helps the research and development team best help the soldiers.
Interaction/Exposure: Friends and families using apple watches. The media/technology is very sleek and smart. It is easy to use and allows the experience of convenience in a click.
Added to timeline:
MIL
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