Tag: fuelband

Wearable technology may have an image problem

Wearable devices could be having a problem with their image

Wearable technology has been growing in popularity, but not always because of good reasons. Wearable devices are gaining attention throughout the world because they are being marketed as somewhat revolutionary. Some of these devices can, quite literally, change the way you see the world, while others simply offer you a better way to keep track of your health and other basic information. Some devices are being lauded as tools that could change the way society, as a whole, interacts with itself. The issue, however, is that none of these devices have yet become successful.

What is going on behind the scenes in the technology world may determine the future of wearable devices and their image with the public. Recently, Nike laid off many of the members of its FuelBand team. The FuelBand is a sort of smart wristband that is meant to track physical activity. Nike claims that it will continue providing support for the device, but rumors concerning the FuelBand’s imminent demise have already begun to circulate. While Nike may, indeed, have plans to continue supporting the device, the image that the FuelBand has created for itself may end up affecting its future.

Consumers may be somewhat disinterested in wearable devices

Wearable Technology - Consumers not interestedSimilar things are happening to other wearable devices as well. The majority of these devices may end up be affected by rumors much more than the FuelBand, however, as most of these devices have not yet been released. Products like augmented reality glasses are often presented as devices that can change how people see the world, but these devices have also been shrouded in controversy. Google’s forthcoming Glass platform, for instance, has run afoul of many lawmakers in some parts of the United States. These legislators suggest that the device will be distracting for drivers and could lead to serious privacy issues. Beyond that, Google had earned some notoriety in the past for constantly changing the features of the Glass platform, initially noting that it would including augmented reality technology, then claiming that it would not support the technology.

One of the most significant challenges facing wearable technology has to do with the apparent lack of interest that consumers have for these devices. While wearable devices have become very popular among tech-savvy individuals, most people have not yet been convinced that these devices are interesting in any way. Marketing that has focused on the vague, innovative aspects of these devices has yet to thrill the majority of people that already have smartphones or tablets.

Nike and Apple may come together on wearable technology

Nike could play a role in Apple’s plans for wearable devices in the relatively near future

Nike CEO Mark Parker recently made comments suggesting that the acclaimed sports accessories company may soon be partnering with Apple. This partnership may result in the development of a new smart watch that will be equipped with several features associated with athletics. Rumors concerning Apple’s foray into the field of wearable technology have been circulating for some time, but the famed technology company has been very modest in releasing information concerning such efforts.

Company intends to move away from hardware in order to focus more on software

Nike has also shown that it is disinclined to reveal information concerning its future interests in wearable devices and its potential partnerships with other companies. The company has recently announced that it will be exiting the manufacture of wearable devices after the lackluster performance of its FuelBand device. Instead, Nike is keen to focus on the software that such devices use. This software could find a home in a wide range of wearable devices that could be released in the future, particularly those developed by Apple.

Large tech companies are becoming more aggressive with the idea of wearable devices

Wearable Technology - Apple & NikeWearable technology has become a subject of interest in the tech field. More companies are beginning to develop devices that they believe will revolutionize the way people interact with each other and their surroundings. Google Glass is one such device that is meant to quite literally change the way people see the world around them. Samsung has also been involving itself in the development of smart watches that have strong social media potential.

Large companies may see a great deal of benefit through partnerships with their smaller counterparts

While large technology companies are becoming more aggressive when it comes to wearable devices, they are discovering that they must partner with others in order to ensure that these devices are successful. Nike may not be well known for its wearable devices, but the company is certainly in a position to drive up the appeal of devices that it is developing software for.