This new graphene supercapacitor glimpses into the future of wearable technology

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A research team from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has presented a new graphene-based supercapacitor at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Philadelphia.

The flexible micro-supercapacitors could trigger new developments in the realm of wearable technology, with a myriad of possibilities such as smart T-shirts that charges mobile phones or dishwashing robots, according to the researchers.

By Wearable Tech, 30 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Connectivity, Data & Analytics, Ecosystems, Research.

Amazfit launches ceramic-based wearable to combine fitness and fashion

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California-based firm Amazfit has introduced its first ceramic-based wearable activity tracker, which assesses biomechanical signals and daily activities.

The device connects the user's daily activities and biomechanical signals with smart data. It tracks a user's steps, distance travelled, sleep quality and calories burned. It also receives and transmits incoming call alerts through vibration.

Amazfit is a lightweight and slim activity tracker designed like a fashion...

By Wearable Tech, 26 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Fashion, Fitness, Smartwatches.

Nearly half of wearables in Germany remain unused, report finds

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Almost half of all Germans who own a fitness wearable device have either stopped using or do not use it, according to new research.

The 2016 DKV Report, titled 'How Healthy is Germany?', indicates that nearly 50% of those who use a fitness tracker have either stopped using it, or do not use it. A total of 2,830 Germans were surveyed by GfK Nuremburg for the report.

Clemens Muth, chairman of the board of management at DKV, said that most people in Germany do not see the...

By Wearable Tech, 25 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Fitness, Research.

Fitbit is found not guilty after Jawbone's accusations

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Jawbone launched a case against Fitbit last year after concerns the company poached its staff and used their inside knowledge to get an edge over its rival whilst also infringing on several patents, but a judge has ruled against the accusations. 

Jawbone, a company which has seemingly gone into retreat, was said to have wanted to block Fitbit from...

By Ryan Daws, 24 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Fitness, Health & Wellness, Trackers.

New smart glasses study launched for ‘tech-infused frames’

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VSP Global and the University of Southern California (USC) Center for Body Computing (CBC) are partnering to launch an important academic study and consumer pilot test involving the company’s latest version of tech-embedded eyewear, Level, which is still in a prototype mode.

Developed by VSP Global’s innovation lab, The Shop, Level incorporates a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer that helps a wearer...

By Wearable Tech, 24 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Ecosystems, Eyewear, Research.

This company aims to revolutionise wearable device testing

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Verkotan, a CTIA authorised test lab, is improving wearable testing with the GPS Air Performance Test that is patent pending. The test has been developed with other leading players in the wearable industry. The Centre for Wireless Communication (CWC) at University of Oulu and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland TEKES and Hilla Program contributed in funding of the project.

Verkotan has developed a real over the air GPS...

By Wearable Tech, 22 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Data & Analytics, Devices, Standards, Trackers.

Smart pregnancy wearable firm Bloomlife secures $4m funding

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Bloomlife, a San Francisco-based digital health company, has announced the closure of a $4 million seed funding round aimed at commercialising its smart pregnancy wearable product.

The wearable will be able to automatically track and detect contractions in expectant mothers, visualising it on a smartphone. It is currently available via an Early Access Program on their website, until launch. The new funding will also go towards accelerating commercialising of the wearable's next...

By Wearable Tech, 19 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Health Monitoring, Health & Wellness.

Global wearable technology market to hit $171bn by 2025

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Insight Partners has published a new report which argues that the global wearable technology market is set to grow from $26.19 billion in 2015 to $170.91 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 20.8%.

The smart watches segment was the largest in 2015 as the hand worn terminals product segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 24.4% between 2016 and 2025, the researchers argue.

Among the application segments, healthcare and medical boasted the largest share of the wearable technology market in...

By Wearable Tech, 18 August 2016, 1 comment. Categories: Devices, Ecosystems, Health Monitoring, Health & Wellness, Research.

How wearable tech can help children with autism

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Wearable tech has grown in leaps and bounds with new features added all the time to make everyday life easier and more fun. But this new technology isn’t just fun – for children with autism, it can be a game changer. Can a bracelet, glasses, and shoelaces ensure a child is safer and happier?

Wearable tracking devices

GPS tracking is nothing new; we have it...

By Rick Delgado, 17 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Eyewear, Health Monitoring, Health & Wellness, Smartwatches.

Sports wearables require a greater focus on improvement advice

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When most people think of wearables, fitness trackers such as Fitbit come to mind. Whilst these devices are great for tracking your current performance to compare it to your past, they often don't offer advice on how to improve your ability in a chosen sport. 

New research from Lux has signaled the need for sports wearables that go beyond...

Research examines different pressures and inputs for greater smartwatch functionality

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A study from researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the University of St. Andrews argues how utilising different pressures and inputs could change the design of smartwatch and fitness band interfaces.

The study introduces technology called WatchMI, which features software analysing data from a built-in inertial measurement unit (IMU), and argues how utilising various common aspects...

By James Bourne, 16 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Smartwatches.

Fossil announces launch of Q Wander and Q Marshal smartwatches

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Fossil has announced the launch of the Q Wander and Q Marshal smartwatches with pre-orders beginning August 12 and availability in stores from August 29.

Q Marshal and Q Wander are compatible with both Android smartphones and iPhones and start at $295, with integration including Google Fit, UA Record by Under Armour, UP by Jawbone, and MyFitnessPal.

“Q Wander and Q Marshal beautifully marry form and function for a stunning addition to your everyday style,” said Jill...

By Wearable Tech, 15 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Fitness, Health Monitoring, Smartwatches.

Chinese wearable technology market anticipated to see substantial growth by 2025

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A study from Hexa Reports titled “China’s Wearable Technology market” argues that the wearable technology market in the country is anticipated to see substantial growth by 2025.

Over the past 20 years, the Chinese market has witnessed rapid expansion, resulting in the transformation of China’s society and economy on account of manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumption in the country. The country is one of the world’s major producers for...

By Wearable Tech, 11 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Ecosystems.

Global smart glass market slated to grow at 20% CAGR through 2020

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The global smart glass market is being driven by a shift in demand from passive to active smart glass technology coupled by factors such as growing applications in aviation, marine, and solar power, according to Technavio.

The firm adds that the global smart glass market is anticipated to see a CAGR of close to 20% through 2020, growing from $210 million (£160.6 million) in 2015 to $520 million (£397.6 million) by 2020.

Chandrakumar Badala Jaganathan, a lead analyst...

By Wearable Tech, 10 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Enterprise, Eyewear.

La Roche-Posay rolls out skin sensor offering real-time monitoring of UV radiation

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In order to raise public awareness on personal sun exposure, La Roche-Posay has rolled out a stretchable skin sensor called My UV Patch formulated to provide real-time tracking of UV radiation.

The patch is water and sweat-resistant and can be used for up to three days during all outdoor activities, including swimming. The transparent adhesive measures approximately one square inch and 50 micrometers thick – half the thickness of an average strand of hair – and unlike the...

By Wearable Tech, 09 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Clothing & Textiles, Health Monitoring, Health & Wellness, Implants.

Gemalto collaborates with RioCard for contactless transport ticketing at the Olympics

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International digital security provider Gemalto has collaborated with Rio de Janeiro’s public transportation ticketing operator RioCard to implement contactless transport ticket wristbands in Brazil’s second largest city. The application of this contactless payment solution will make it easier for users to make secure payments, and will benefit them in various modes of transportation such as, bus, ferry, subway and train.

Gemalto will provide RioCard with its waterproof...

By Wearable Tech, 08 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Brands, Clothing & Textiles, Mobile Wallet, Payments.

Fitbit reports $587m revenue in Q216, represents a 46% year on year increase

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Fitbit sold 5.7 million devices in the second quarter of 2016 on a 46% year-on-year increase in revenue to $586.5 million during the period.

The US accounted for 76% of revenue on sales growth of 42% year-over-year while EMEA revenue grew 150% year-over-year while accounting for 17% of the company’s revenue during the period. APAC accounted for 2% of the company’s revenue while seeing a 54% decline in sales. Excluding the impact of the progressive shut down of retailer...

By Wearable Tech, 05 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Fitness, Health & Wellness.

This smartwatch app aims to help communication in nursing homes

Picture credit: John Brhel/Binghamton University

A new smartwatch app being developed at Binghamton University in New York aims to improve communication and prevent falls at nursing homes.

The new app is being developed by two researchers – assistant professor of systems science and industrial engineering Huiyang Li and PhD candidate Haneen Ali – at the Binghamton University in New York.

The app aims to help certified nursing assistants (CNAs) respond to alerts more quickly and help prevent...

By Wearable Tech, 04 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Apps, Health Monitoring, Health & Wellness, Smartwatches.

Knowles reports financials for Q216, notes small decline

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Electronics firm Knowles, which manufactures in-ear wearable computing devices among others, has reported a 1% year-on-year decline in revenue to $190.3 million in the second quarter of FY2016, with CEO Jeffrey Niew telling analysts the results are within guidance.

Gross profit grew 2% year-on-year to $72.9 million while non-GAAP gross profit declined 2% year-on-year to $75.1 million during the same period. Niew explained: “In our mobile consumer electronics segment, sales came in...

By Wearable Tech, 03 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Health Monitoring, Implants.