Wearable technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Modern wearable devices may not be anything to fawn over, but a new generation of these devices is dawning. Apple recently revealed its Watch device, which is equipped with more features than any other smartwatch. The device is quite similar to a conventional smartphone, but designed to be significantly more intuitive and cater to its user’s movements and gestures.
Many wearable devices that are available today are simply novelty. They offer nothing more than a relatively interesting experience that is very similar to what can be found on a smartphone or tablet. These devices are often designed to serve a very specific purpose, such as tracking a person’s heart rate during an exercise or offering an interactive entertainment experience. Augmented reality headsets are somewhat more valuable in terms of the features that they offer, but these devices are typically only used for entertainment or social media purposes.
Current wearable devices may be little more than a stepping stone toward something much greater. Wearables are still not very popular in any conventional market, but they have shown that people are interested in new technology that is much more than a smartphone. As wearable technology becomes more advanced, it will likely become more integrated with humanity, moving from novelty to necessity in much the same way other mobile devices have. Once that happens, such technology could have a major impact on society as a whole.
Integrated technology is not a new concept. There are already people with NFC chips implanted beneath their skin. These chips can be programmed to serve a variety of purposes, from accessing electronic locks to providing easily accessible information about a person. It may be years before someone has a smartphone installed in their body, but wearable technology is beginning to show that such a thing could be possible at some point in the future.
The two companies recently announced that they would develop these gadgets in a joint effort.
Intel Corp, the chipmaker giant, has recently announced that it will be working with Fossil Group, the designer fashion accessory retailer, in order to create wearable technology devices that will benefit from both practical features and from style.
This partnership has arrived at a time in which Intel has been seeking to broaden its efforts beyond its traditions.
Intel is taking steps toward wearable technology as it expands its horizons beyond its traditional personal computer industry market, and into new markets such as the personal computer industry. Their sights are clearly set on new areas of internet connected products that includes such items as tablets, smartwatches, and even smart clothing.
By working with Fossil on its wearable technology Intel may give itself a considerable fashion advantage.
Aside from working with Intel on fashion products that cross over as wearable tech devices, Fossil is also going to be assisting the venture capital arm at Intel in the search for investments that will drive innovation forward in the wearables category. This, according to a statement that Intel has recently released with regards to its partnership with the designer retailer.
Intel has previously announced that it has been working with Opening Ceremony, a design company, in order to create and launch a new fashion bracelet that is designed with semi precious gemstones, as well as wireless charging and communications features.
With each new announcement, it is becoming increasingly clear that Intel is viewing the road ahead as one that is aimed directly through the wearable technology market. While this category hasn’t taken off with the speed that had been predicted – other than with fitness trackers – the majority of the large mobile tech companies are all coming up with their own versions of gadgets that can be worn in one way or another in order to gather and track information, provide notifications, and even run certain apps. This month is set to be a strong one for releases and unveilings of smartwatches from a number of brands that have never before had a product in this category.