Types of wearables

Wearable technology encompasses a diverse range of devices that can be worn on different parts of the body, each serving distinct purposes and presenting unique design challenges.

Let's look at the most popular types of wearables available today:

• Sports and fitness trackers: People usually wear them on their wrists or clip trackers on their clothes to count the steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled, or hours slept.
• Health and medical sensors: These devices help monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, ECG (electrocardiograph), temperature, emotional stress, dehydration, glucose level, and even posture.
• Smartwatches: Smartwatches are best fit for receiving notifications, calls, and messages, making payments, tracking activities, setting an alarm, GPS navigation, and remotely controlling music.
• Smartglasses: Smartglasses project a computer screen onto the lens and allow people to complete hands-free tasks like checking notifications, taking photos, and searching.
• Ear-worn wearables: The ear-worn wearables or hearables present the largest product category in the wearable device market. They're connected to Bluetooth devices (a smartphone or laptop) and deliver audio content through them.

Smart rings, smart clothing, smart shoes, sleep trackers, and smart tattoos are also gaining popularity in the wearable device market.