In this blog post, we will focus on Apple Watch and Google Glass to explore how wearable devices will change our daily lives, healthcare, and communication, and lead the future.
In September 2014, Apple unveiled its new product, the Apple Watch, with the ambitious claim that it would put the Swiss watch market in trouble. As the name suggests, the Apple Watch is Apple’s first wearable device in the form of a wristwatch. Users wearing the Apple Watch can not only check the time, but also measure their heart rate and blood sugar levels, and by linking it to their iPhone, they can operate most of the iPhone’s functions from their wrist. The characteristics of these wearable devices are expected to transcend the limitations of smartphones, which have been machines separate from people, and provide new experiences to users.
If you had to describe the Apple Watch in one word, it would definitely be “wearable.” Wearable is a shortened term for wearable computer, and any computer that can be worn or carried on the body can be called a wearable computer. Therefore, research is being conducted on various forms of wearable computers, including not only computers worn on the wrist like the Apple Watch, but also computers worn on the head, shoes, and even underwear.
The biggest strength of wearables is that they can continuously collect information related to the user depending on where they are worn. In the case of the Apple Watch mentioned above, since it is in the form of a wristwatch, when the Apple Watch checks the user’s pulse and blood pressure, the user can easily check their health status on a linked iPhone without having to undergo a separate health checkup. Similarly, wearable devices that can be worn on other parts of the body, such as the feet and head, can provide various functions tailored to the characteristics of those body parts. Thanks to these characteristics, wearable devices are expected to play an increasingly important role in our daily lives. For example, people who enjoy exercising can measure and analyze their exercise data in real time through wearable devices, which is very helpful in creating personalized exercise plans.
Another example of a wearable computer is Google Glass. Google Glass is a pair of glasses developed by Google that can be worn like a computer. In 2012, Google released a video titled “One day…” showing a day in the life of someone wearing Google Glass.
“The protagonist wearing Google Glass checks a message that arrived during breakfast and responds to it simply by voice, without having to put down his meal and type a reply. On his way to work, the protagonist is heading toward the subway entrance when Google Glass informs him that the subway has stopped and shows him a route to walk from his current location to his destination. When the user sees a cool mural and mutters, “I want to take a picture,” Google Glass immediately switches to photo mode, takes a picture, and automatically shares it on social media.
This video caused a huge stir as soon as it was released, and public opinion was abuzz with expectations that Google would finally change the way we live. Unfortunately, however, this was just a concept video based on an idealized vision of Google Glass. The Google Glass currently available on the market is still far from the level of perfection shown in the video. For example, the battery only lasts four hours, and because it uses Google services, it is dependent on a network connection.
Like Google Glass, there are many skeptical views about wearable devices currently on the market. In short, the question is whether wearables can replace everyday items. Google Glass is priced at $1,500, which is quite expensive for the general public, and some point out that it does not help users’ lives as much as its price suggests. Above all, most people use IT devices for work-related tasks, and it is difficult to find features in Google Glass that increase work productivity.
However, the wearable device industry is steadily advancing, and Google Glass is the first generation of wearable devices to be released. The Apple Watch mentioned earlier has not even been properly released yet, and Google Glass is also undergoing constant improvements to address its shortcomings. Just as it was difficult to imagine today’s smartphones 10 years ago, doubts about wearable devices seem to be unfounded. Even if it seems difficult to realize right now, the concept video for Google Glass shows wearable computers making our lives more convenient, just like smartphones, and this may be closer than we think.
Meanwhile, discussions about the impact of wearable technology on our lives are intensifying along with technological advances. When wearable devices become commonplace, it will be possible to monitor personal health, manage exercise, and even understand emotional states. This could bring about revolutionary changes in the medical field. For example, it will be possible to monitor patients’ conditions in real time, enabling quick recognition of and response to emergency situations. In addition, data collected through wearable devices will play an important role in providing personalized medical services.
In conclusion, the development of wearable devices has the potential to significantly change our lifestyles. Although still in its infancy, the potential for future development is endless. We need to prepare for and adapt to these changes, and through the new experiences provided by wearable devices, we will be able to enjoy a more convenient and prosperous life.
