The category of wearable tech is finally starting to mature as companies are settling into an overall design scheme. With added focus on internal changes, new features such as GPS are being added across the board. In addition, we are starting to see more advancements in the health aspect of wearable tech and an overall revamp in the user interface. In this article we’re looking at what wearable tech will be worth picking up within the next couple of years.
Garmin Vivomove
Featured at CES 2017, the Garmin Vivomove is touted as a fitness tracker that you “can wear to a wedding.” For those that like the look and feel of a classic watch but still want the key features packed into a fitness tracker, the Vivomove is most definitely something to keep in mind. The Vivomove has a simple, elegant, and modern design. The device is positioned competitively with prices of mid-range classic watches. It comes in at just $99.99 on Amazon, down from the starting retail price of $149.99.
The watch packs in an activity bar that tracks steps and adjusts step goals based on your previous day. Adjacent to it is a move bar that points out when you are inactive by displaying a red bar. The red bar will disappear once you get up and take a few steps. It’s a simple and straightforward device that relies on a regular button-cell battery, making the Vivomove great for those who don’t like the bells and whistles in other trackers and smartwatches.
Apple Watch “Series 3”
Apple has been busy lately filing patents for their future smartwatch, and an expected release date would fall in September of 2017 to stay current with their regular product cycles. Of course, this is all speculation, but there are certainly a few features to be excited about. The device, dubbed “Series 3” by the online community, is expected to pack an OLED display with a rounded option and a front-facing camera for short Facetime calls. Furthermore, a US Patent reveals that a “smart-strap” with interchangeable and modular links could be implemented, with each link performing a different task.
Misfit Phase
The Misfit Phase debuted in November and is holding up well in regards to reviews. It includes a simplistic and traditional design, much like that of the Garmin Vivomove, but places notifications and smartwatch features at the forefront over fitness. When looking at the face, there are no numbers – just the dial – and a hole for a notification light that changes color according to the type of incoming notification. The device uses a coin-cell battery and will only need a battery replacement in six months time.
Garmin Vivosmart HR+
This particular fitness tracker includes everything you would expect from the Fitbit line and won’t necessarily need a phone for accurate running, as it includes a built-in 24/7 heart rate monitor. Even more, it features a rugged design that’s built to last and to support your active lifestyle. While reviews are mostly positive, it will run at a slightly hefty price of $169.99 on Amazon at the time of writing. Similarly to other featured trackers and smartwatches, this price is down from the initial release price of $199.99.
Final Thoughts
If you are a long time user of a smartwatch or fitness tracker, the features of these wearables may not be enough to warrant an upgrade. That being said, as smartwatch design is settling into a classic look overall and fitness trackers are gaining more accuracy, it is a great time for a first time user to pick one up. What are your thoughts? What do you think is the best piece of wearable tech?
I’m a junior at UT Dallas, a tech enthusiast, an adreneline junkie, and a coffee fanatic.
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