Tag: fitness tracker

The tech company has moved the release of its wearables back as it rethinks the device after consumer testing.

HTC has announced that it will be delaying the release of its Grip wearable technology following the results of its consumer testing, as it is considering making alterations to the device so that it will serve a new purpose.

The company has decided that instead of rushing to market, it would rather ensure that consumers get what they want.

The fitness band from HTC called the HTC Grip was supposed to become available later in 2015. However, it now looks as though the wearable technology from that company won’t be released until next spring. The company explained that “After extensive wear testing and user feedback, we have decided to align Grip with the entire product portfolio for health and fitness launching later this year.”

The wearable technology may be redesigned so that it will more seamlessly fit into a broader project from the company.

The statement from HTC went on to say that “This will be a state-of-the-art comprehensive portfolio of products for this category powered by Under Armour Record.” Aside from that, though, no further details were provided by the company and anything above and beyond that point has been called speculation. There were no more answers given with regards to why the device was delayed or what changes would be made to those wearables between now and the release in the spring.

That said, reports about the company’s moves abound and it is clear to the tech industry that HTC is using this time to redirect its wearable tech intentions. This is not the first time that the company has changed directions when it comes to the design or release of its devices. Back in March, for example, it made another large turn when it broke out into other segments of the consumer electronics industry in response to a less-than powerful interest in its smartphones.

At the moment, the wearable technology in question, the Grip, is a touch display fitness band that is waterproof and that is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems. It also has GPS built into it.

Medical experts warn that wearable devices could be dangerous to a user’s health.

The arrival of wearable technology may be exciting for many consumers, but some doctors and scientists are not as thrilled about the idea of this technology becoming popular because, according to Fox News, some medical experts say that those who wear these devices are putting their health at risk.

The concern is that wearables will increase a person’s exposure to radio waves.

Due to the fact that it is likely that those who use wearable devices, such as health monitors, fitness trackers, smartwatches, smartglasses, etc. are already using other mobile devices like tablets, smartphones or laptops, at the same time, this can increase their exposure to radio waves.

The director of the Center for Family and Community Health at the UC Berkeley Prevention Research Center School of Public Health, Joel M Moskowitz, Ph.D, said that “Wi-Fi is very similar to cellphone radiation. You definitely don’t want to put these devices near your head or near your reproductive organs” for long periods of time.

Wearable technology is more likely to result in sustained RF exposure despite Bluetooh technology.

Since many scientific studies have already alerted consumers and industry leaders to the fact that various devices emit microwave radiations, the majority of tech companies have resorted to using Bluetooth technology in an effort to avoid health risks. Bluetooth emits lower radiofrequency (RF) levels in comparison to other gadgets that heavily rely on Wi-Fi and most wearables use this technology.

According to Cloud Tweaks, a leading Cloud informational portal, the chairman of Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Hugh Taylor, noted that even though most wearables utilize Bluetooth tech, which has decreased radio waves, the energy emitted from the devices can still build up in the body.

Taylor said that “I worry that wearables may increase our total exposure.” He added that “All that radiation will be adding up. Wearables are something more likely to keep on your body, so you’re more likely to have a sustained exposure.”

In spite of the concern medical experts may have regarding wearable technology and the potential health threat they pose in regard to increased RF exposure, further study is needed.