Top 5 Wearable Technology Trends to Watch Out for in 2021
Wearable technology has made remarkable progress in recent years, introducing innovative ideas and concepts that have significantly impacted various industries. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, wearable technology has revolutionized how people live, interact, and work. In 2021, the wearable market is expected to hit $62 billion, according to Industry ARC. Here are the top five wearable technology trends to watch out for in 2021:
1. Contactless Payment Wearables
With the pandemic causing more people to avoid contact with surfaces, the demand for contactless payment options has surged. Contactless payment wearables, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, have become increasingly popular as they allow people to make payments without touching a card reader or keypad. Some examples include Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. Many financial institutions are also developing their own wearable payment technology solutions.
2. Smart Clothing
Smart clothing is another exciting wearable technology trend to watch out for in 2021. It incorporates electronic components into clothing, allowing for diverse functionalities and applications. Smart clothing can monitor vital signs, track movements, detect impacts, and provide haptic feedback among other things. Smart clothing can also integrate with other wearables, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, to create a comprehensive ecosystem. Major brands such as Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, and Under Armour have already launched their smart clothing lines.
3. Augmented Reality Smart Glasses
Augmented reality (AR) has steadily gained attention in recent years, and AR-enabled smart glasses are a natural progression of this trend. AR smart glasses allow for virtual overlays and holographic projections to be displayed in real-time, providing a seamless experience. They can be used for gaming, remote collaboration, and even as aids for the visually-impaired. Major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple are already investing heavily in this technology.
4. Health and Fitness Monitors
Health and fitness trackers have been around for quite some time, but technological advancements have made them even more sophisticated. Wearable health monitors can now track a variety of biometric data, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns, providing users with holistic insights into their health. They can also integrate with other health apps to create a complete health management system. Major brands such as Fitbit, Garmin, and Huawei have already established themselves in this space.
5. Virtual Reality Headsets
Virtual reality (VR) technology has made significant strides in recent years, and VR headsets are becoming increasingly accessible to the masses. VR headsets provide an immersive experience, allowing users to explore virtual worlds and environments. They can be used for gaming, education, and training. Major brands such as Oculus, HTC, and Sony are already leading the VR headset market.
Conclusion
Wearable technology has come a long way since the first fitness trackers were introduced. The top five wearable technology trends to watch out for in 2021 are contactless payment wearables, smart clothing, augmented reality smart glasses, health and fitness monitors, and virtual reality headsets. As we move further into the age of digital transformation, wearable technology will only continue to evolve and improve, enhancing the way we interact with the world around us.
