Category: Technology News

Wearable Technology is a Stepping Stone

Wearable technology is the latest thing to set the tech field alight with innovation and ambition. Many people have heard about the new devices that technology companies are planning to release in the near future, but the excitement around these devices has yet to reach a boiling point. For most, these devices are nothing more than novelties, impressive in certain aspects but lacking in others. For some, wearable devices are little more than a stepping stone to something more: A greater integration with technology itself.

Wearable devices like augmented reality glasses are designed to change the way you see the world. Other devices have a more simpler goal, either to help you keep track of your health or allow you to stay in contact with various social media outlets. Most of the things that can be accomplished through wearable technology can already be done through a smartphone or tablet. What these wearable devices are do that smartphones and tablets don’t, however, is show that people are ready to become more integrated with technology.

Wearable devices are a stepping stone toward a higher level of technology. There are already a great deal of projects underway that have to do with integrated technology and how implanted devices can change human life, but none of these products are taking into account its commercial aspects. Integrated technology is on its way to becoming a reality and not just science fiction, and commercialization is one of the last challenges this technology will have to overcome.Werable Technology - biometrics smartwatch wearable

Wearable technology serves as a sort of unofficial proof of concept of the commercial potential of new devices. If no one wants to buy these devices, how likely are they to spend money on tech implants? The fact that wearable devices are little more than hands-free smartphones is not the issue. The real issue is whether or not people are actually willing to purchase and use these devices on a regular basis. If they do, then they may also be inclined to do the same for implanted devices that could become available during their lifetime.

The marketability of wearable devices is not necessarily indicative of the commercial potential of integrated technology, but it may serve as a sort of benchmark that can gauge consumer interest. Integrated tech is still in a state of infancy, but it will eventually become available to anyone willing and able to pay for it. Smartphones went through a very similar phase before they became massively popular, with their predecessor being old, cumbersome “brick” phones that were popular in the early 90s. These old devices highlighted the commercial potential of mobile technology and taking advantage of that potential has created a society that is heavily reliant on mobile devices today.

Mobile technology regulations tighten in airports

The Department of Homeland Security is warning travelers about new scrutiny over electronic devices.

There has now been a caution issued by the Department of Homeland Security for travelers, which has stated that new tighter regulations for electronic and mobile technology will be going into place in airports that have flights that are headed directly into the United States.

So far, the department hasn’t gone on to provide a great deal of detail about what those changes will entail.

Earlier this week, security officials added to the department’s earlier statement by saying that the focus is being placed primarily on identifying explosives that could be hidden in the form of electronic and mobile technology devices, such as a cell phone. The Transportation Security Administration followed up by issuing a statement that said that a part of its typical screening routine at the overseas airports that have flights that head directly to the united states will include a potential request for device owners to turn them on.

Therefore, it is important not to bring mobile technology with dead batteries onto those flights.

Mobile Technology - Airport regulationsThis can include everything from laptops to cell phones and pretty much everything in between. If a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other device, cannot be turned on, then they will not be permitted onto the flights, said the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Travelers with devices that have dead batteries or that cannot be turned on for some other reason may also be subject to additional forms of screening, such as pat-downs.

Homeland Security secretary, Jeh Johnson, said that “In this instance, we felt that it was important to crank it up some at the last point-of-departure airports.” Johnson added that “we’ll continually evaluate the situation.”

Johnson explained that this latest change in policies is working to help to stop the next form of attack from happening in the first place, instead of reacting to one that has already occurred. However, he also said that there is no reason to speculate about upcoming attacks. “We know that there remains a terrorist threat to the United States,” he said, adding that “aviation security is a large part of that.”

So far, there has been little objection from the public that has been heard regarding the announcement regarding electronics and mobile technology checks.