With Apple diving into the wearable tech industry with the Apple Watch, truly portable technology is an exploding topic. While several different companies offer watches that sync with your smart phone, almost all of them provide similar perks. Additionally, the better known wearable tech pieces look nearly identical. While smart watches certainly offer convenience, some consumers are still searching for wearable tech with revolutionary functions and an original look. If smart watches haven’t grasped your imagination, these incredible pieces of wearable tech might be the answer.
1. The MOTA SmartRing
This impressive piece of wearable tech is a simple alternative to smart watches. the MOTA SmartRing is a minimalist notifications hub that pairs with both iOS and Android. This impressive device seamlessly brings you your texts, emails, calendar events and calls, plus can sync with your Facebook and Twitter notifications. The ring vibrates, and you can even set custom patterns for individual contacts. Currently in development and priced at $145 for two rings via IndieGoGo, this ring is a functional alternative for those who want a less intrusive piece of wearable tech.
2. Glance
Glance is a groundbreaking piece of new wearable tech, that promises to turn any watch into a smart watch. A small wristband prototype, this ingenious device sits comfortably behind a regular watch, essentially turning any watch or bracelet into a smart watch. The device lets users know when they recieve a text or call, can track gps movements and functions as a tv remote. Not only that, Kickstarter fans can recieve a Glance unit for $60, plus Glance is waterproof and can track your steps. This impressive device also lasts up to a week without charging and may offer the style conscious a real alternative to repetitive, clunky smart watch designs.
3. Smart Hoodie
This original take on wearable tech makes sending a text a breeze. Users can program movements to correspond with contacts, allowing you to communicate instantly without grabbing your phone. Though this hoodie is still in development with no price estimate, the company vows to finish the product soon.
4. Nod Bluetooth Ring
This tiny addition to the wearable tech market makes up in power what it lacks in size. The ring will be able to control smart phones, home appliances, as well as write texts by drawing letters in the air. This ring pairs with a huge assortment of devices, making the Nod Bluetooth Ring a potent contender. This device is currently on pre-order for $149.
5. Dash Headphones
Another impressive piece of wearable tech from Kickstarter are Dash headphones. These Bluetooth wireless headphones not only play music from your smart phone, they function as a powerful workout assistant. Measuring heart rate, number of steps and calories burned, these forward thinking headphones are both discreet and functional. Also available in white, Dash Headphones are currently available to pre-order for $299.
6. Google Contact Lens
This impressive minuscule device is another foray by Google into wearable tech. This time with a bigger focus on health, the Google contact lens could potentially monitor a wearer's blood glucose levels through their tears. This could have gigantic implications for those suffering from diabetes, though this impressive addition to the wearable tech market is still in development.
7. Deka Arm
Though not intended for everyday wearable tech enthusiasts, the Deka arm is an impressive step forward towards true bionic limbs. Nicknamed Luke after the Star Wars character, the Deka arm interprets signals from muscle fibers in the wearers arm, bringing greater mobility to those with missing limbs. So far, the arm is able to manage ten basic movements and doesn't have an estimated price, but speaks to how impressive future gains in bionic limbs will be.
