Wearable Technology

With the Versa 2, Fitbit has made a smartwatch that does more than its predecessors by adding Alexa, a new screen and extra features.

Samsung announced a handful of new products at its virtual Unpacked livestream, starting with the Galaxy Note20, Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live.

If there was any doubt that this would be the year that smartwatches and other wearable technology hits the mainstream, look no further than Best Buy, where you’ll find best-sellers like the Pebble smartwatch alongside the latest generation of Samsung’s wearable tech –the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. Soon some new entries will be joining these: the Cookoo and Cogito. Choice is good and these new models offer a new take on the traditional smartwatch form factor as well as a more affordable option for those who want to take the plunge into wearable technology without a large investment. I just spent a week with a Cookoo smartwatch and you can read my review here.  

What is all the fuss about Spritz? If you were using a Spritz-enabled app, you would already have read to the end of this post and could tell us. But given that Spritz-enabled tech isn’t out there yet (it’s coming soon, though), here’s the scoop. Spritz is new speed reading technology that’s based on the theory that much of our time spent reading is wasted as our eyes move side to side. Display a word in one place, flash one word at a time and suddenly reading becomes much more efficient. Not only that, but by displaying just one word at a time, reading is suddenly possible on compact displays, like a smartphone or smartwatch. Being able to quickly (and painlessly) read e-mail, reports or even books on your Gear2 or Gear Neo suddenly makes the idea of wearable technology even more appealing.

Samsung brings back its signature smartwatch for another go round with the Galaxy Watch3, and the familiarity delivers as expected.

The Jawbone UP24 proves that wearable fitness tracking devices can be lightweight, fashionable and comfortable.     Synching up information is simple since the UP24 is also Bluetooth compatible.   Combined with the cheery, user-friendly UP app, you have one of the best fitness devices on the market.

The Amazfit Bip smartwatch offers you heart rate monitoring as well as text, call, and app notifcations, all in a lightweight, comfortable to wear package.

Samsung has come around and revealed a rounded smartwatch for the first time with the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic. Both models are designed to cater to users who are looking for a timepiece that carries a little more elegance with an everyday look and feel. A number of features have been included to make the watch more useful, tapping into a variety of services and functions the company already offers.

Loose your keys and small items often? Tile and TrackR have a solution to this problem with Bluetooth wireless lost item trackers that utilize just a smartphone to find items within proximity.

Say what you want about wearable tech - it’s here to stay! The beauty of wearable tech devices is that it can help monitor your health, fitness goals, calorie intake, etc. Even if you think the data is useless, at least it’s becoming more and more fashionable. Even major fashion brands like Kate Spade and Rebecca Minkoff are entering the space. Impress your girlfriend, mom, sister, or lady friend with a piece of cool wearable tech. The ladies love stylish gadgets!