A few years have passed from the day the first wearables was invented in June 1961.
The technology has evolved so much recently, making sensors part of our lives and helping us monitor our biometrics to improve our health.
In 2022 more than one billion of wearables were connected on planet earth, leading to what seems to be one of the most exciting and promising industries when it comes to health tech.
Analyzing the major market trends, here are the main areas to focus, especially while building digital health apps:
- Embedded Technology: Embedding sensors and processors directly into clothing or accessories, adding extra functionality without the need for external components seems to be the next big thing. The integration of embedded computer technology is becoming increasingly common, and developers are checking software trends like container adoption, debates about programming languages like Rust versus C++, security enhancements for IoT-based devices, adoption of Agile methodologies, and multicore microcontrollers.
For example: here is how Google has partnered with Levi’s creating a smart trucker jacket.
- Smart Fabrics & Textiles: Smart fabrics and electronic textiles integrate electronics directly into the fabric, enabling sensing and communication capabilities. This opens up possibilities for interactive garments and smart shoes. The applications for this technology are expanding rapidly, making smart fabrics a top trend to watch in 2023. E-textiles could be competing with traditional wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers.
For example: Under Armor has been exploring this field for a few years and the clothing line UA RECOVER is capable of absorbing heat from the human body and then share it back onto the wearer’s skin as far infrared light.
- Hearables: Hearables combine hearing-aid and headphone functionalities. These devices often stream via Bluetooth and may provide health-tracking information. In 2023, we can expect hearables equipped with biometric, proximity, movement, and other sensors, enabling them to gather contextual information about users. This will allow them to offer features like heart rate tracking with voice-based personal assistants, contextual location-based suggestions, environment-based noise suppression, audio enhancement, and gesture and touch-based control.
For example: Starkley is at the forefront of innovation in the industry with Genesis AI, one of the most advanced hearable in the market.
- AI Integration: AI integration has been a major focus in the wearables industry, with companies like Google and Apple leading the way in voice-activated interactions between users and devices. In 2023, expect to see even more advanced AI capabilities integrated into existing products and new innovative wearables.
For example: AI-powered fitness apps like ArtiFit will offer personalized and adaptive workouts in real-time.
These four trends provide a glimpse into what the future of wearables looks like. For inventors, entrepreneurs, and device developers, the wearable market presents incredible opportunities to explore.
Which of these trending wearables in 2023 has caught your eye?
If you’re looking for more information on how Spike can help you leverage wearables data in your Health applications, let’s talk!