Airlines serving in Asia may need to become more accommodating of wearable devices
Wearable technology may soon find more support from airlines operating in Asia. A new study from Airbus, an aircraft manufacturer based in Europe, shows that Asian travelers are becoming more interested in wearable devices, such as smartwatches and high-tech jewelry. These devices are very similar to smartphones, but have limited capabilities. For instance, many smartwatches are only able to notify their user about new email and messages as well as providing alerts concerning potential security issues.
Smartwatches and similar devices are becoming more common among consumers
According to the study from Airbus, Asian travelers are beginning to expect a higher degree of luxury and comfort from their airlines. This includes airlines becoming more accommodating of wearable device. Typically, these devices cannot be used while in flight, thereby making them somewhat useless to consumers that have spent significant amounts of money on these devices. As competition between airlines increases, companies are beginning to feel pressure to provide services that are specifically designed for wearable devices in order to better appeal to consumers.
Asian travelers begin to call for more comfort from airlines
The study highlights the growth of the middle class in many Asian countries. As the middle class expands, millions of new consumers are beginning to see air travel in a new light. Many people have begun to put a focus on comfort and are willing to pay more for services that provide the comfort they are looking for. The study suggests that Asian travelers typically spend more time researching airlines and their travel options and many will only choose a company that accommodates their travel needs. The study suggests that airlines not catering to those with wearable devices could be missing out on appealing to consumers that have comfort in mind.
Wearable technology is becoming more popular
Wearable devices are becoming more common throughout the world. These devices are being used by people that are interested in keeping in constant contact with the digital space. In some cases, smartwatches and similar devices offer more convenient features to consumers than typical smartphones, but these devices tend to lack the communication functions of larger devices.
While smartwatches may be growing in popularity, their ugliness is holding back consumer interest.
The latest tech trends are clearly headed toward wearable technology, and recent developments in smart jewelry is starting to prove that there is a way to wear these mobile devices in an attractive and fashion friendly way that has not yet been achieved by smartwatches and augmented reality glasses.
Google Glass and Samsung Galaxy Gear may have cool features, but wearers look like made for TV sci-fi movies.
The fact that the devices are ugly is making them a harder sell, despite the fact that they have the potential to provide consumers with a range of very interesting features. This trend in wearable technology is changing, though, as a growing number of different smart jewelry options start to become available from various different companies – primarily startups. The key is that they maintain functionality and practicality but they don’t actually look like computers.
Some of the top forms of smart jewelry look like a regular necklace or ring, despite the added features.
Among the forms of wearable technology that have been making headlines over the last while, without calling Star Trek or The Jetsons to mind include the following:
• Cellini Bluetooth Pendant – this device from CSR looks like a sleek and attractive pendant that is worn on a necklace. An app allows the user to change the color or brightness of an LED contained within the pendant in order to match the wearer’s mood or clothing. This is available for Android, or for iOS 7 users. In the latter case, the pendant can be told to alert the iPhone user of incoming calls, texts, or emails through a change in color, vibration, or a flashing light.
• Netatmo June Brooch/Bracelet – this jewelry, comes in the form of gold, gunmetal, or platinum in which is set a stone that resembles a large diamond. This is in the form of a broach or is set onto a leather wrist strap. It functions with an app to alert the user as to how much sun exposure he or she has had, as well as the UV index and local forecasts.
• Smarty Ring – this device is, of course, in the form of a ring and features an LED display that alerts the user to incoming calls, social media updates, and messages.
• NFC Ring – also a ring, this smart jewelry has built in NFC technology built into it. The idea behind this piece is to program this mobile device to hold data or perform various functions, such as unlocking a near field communications enabled smartphone.
