Tag: wearables

As this tech continues, it could mean that wearables will soon allow a gesture to change settings around the house.

Some of the latest in wearable technology is now starting to suggest that it won’t be too far into the future before a consumer will be able to use hand and wrist gestures to be able to control various features around the home.

For example, as soon as you walk in through the door, you will be able to use a gesture to turn lights on.

Once the lights are on, they can be dimmed to bring on the right mood and to provide the appropriate illumination, while the television or even the game console could be turned on. Once the consumer is settled in, the wearable technology could be used yet again to lock the doors and turn off the exterior lights. This is exactly the type of tech that is currently being developed by Reemo, a product from a startup called Playtabase, which is based in the Twin cities.

Reemo is a wearable technology wristband that could make controlling home functions with a gesture possible.

Playtabase is among the latest players in the Internet of Things market. It is aimed at helping to make sure that home automation will become possible, but it hopes to do so in a more accessible and less nerdy way. That said, this goal is not unique to this one company, as it is one of the most sought after efforts in the market.

This market is rapidly growing. Another example of the pursuit of this segment of wearables occurred when Samsung purchased SmartThings, a home automation company. That brand was snapped up when it became a trendsetter in home control. Google also bought Nest, which was a high tech smoke detector and thermostat maker. Nest, itself, had only just purchased Dropcam, a maker of webcams, not long before that.

Though the products in the wearable technology category that are currently on the shelves are made up primarily of products such as smartwatches, these “smart home” products are rapidly on the rise, to the point that they could be the next hot item. Best Buy is now working on adding “connected home” departments to over 400 stores by the time that the holiday shopping season begins.

A new trendy watchphone has been developed by Ukrainian startup.

Smartwatches are quickly becoming a trend, but one of the problems with this unique style of device is that if a wearer wants to make a phone call, often they need to take out their phone to make a call, but .klatz is aiming to solve that issue with its watchphone device.

Some may find this wearable technology to be more convenient than current watches on the market.

The .klatz is not actually a watch in the traditional sense. Rather, it is stiff aluminum bracelet. It does not have a standard watch face and flexible strap. The main reason is when the cuff is unfastened it can be held to the ear and become a phone.

Due to the fact that the wearable is a stiff bracelet, this may be off putting for some people, particularly those who were not happy with other devices with stiff shapes like Nike+ Fuelband, for instance. However, the one aspect that is in the .klatz’s favor is that it is available in four sizes. Therefore, consumers should have an easier time finding the right device to fit their wrist.

The gadget is available in two colors: black and red.

Like other smartwatch designs the .klatz can be paired with a mobile phone.

Currently, the device can be paired with an Android smartphone or iPhone. The company also has future plans for it to be paired with Windows Phone.

In order to activate the watch, a user merely has to glance at the screen and the time will be shown on the 384 LEDs that form the display. Other than telling the time and being able to flip it open so it can be held to the ear to talk, the device can also receive message notifications, track the wearer’s activity and gives them the power to control their music.

While the device is not waterproof, only splash and dust proof, its battery is larger than many smartwatches. The company claims that its 600mAh power pack can last for up to 10 days of standby time when compared to other smartwatches, like Samsungs Gear 2’s 300mAH battery or Motorola Moto 360’s 320mAh battery. While it charges on a little stand designed for it, the .klatz turns into a desk or bedside clock.

Currently, the company is seeking $140,000 in crowdfunding for its smartwatch device on Indiegogo. The first of the .klatz gadgets are expected to be delivered in March 2015.