Wearable TechnologyIntro to topic

So.. What is it?Wearable technology, wearables, fashionable technology, wearable devices, tech togs, or fashion electronics are clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.

The designs often incorporate practical functions and features, but may also have a purely critical or aesthetic agenda – like in fashion or as pieces of art.

HistoryWearable technology is related to both the field of ubiquitous computing and the history and development of wearable computers.

Wearable technology has the vision of interweaving technology into the everyday life, of making technology pervasive and interaction friction less.

Through the history and development of wearable computing, this vision has been both contrasted and affirmed. Affirmed through the multiple projects directed at either enhancing or extending functionality of clothing, and as contrast, most notably through Steve Mann's concept of sousveillance. The history of wearable technology is influenced by both of these responses to the vision of ubiquitous computing.

Early wearables. I mean early.

Like this 17th century wearable abacus ring from China.

Or this, the first ever GoPro from 1907.

The first actual wearable computer was created in 1961 – inside a shoe.

The predecessor of what we know as modern day wearables could most likely be calculator watches (remember Casio!) from the 1980s.

Video Time!• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UipJ5CbFFf0

Areas of use• Healthcare

• Art and design

• Fashion design and clothing

• Wearable computers (smart watches, Google Glass)

• Manufacturing (augmented reality headgear)

• Military

• Mixed reality, augmented reality (gaming, everyday use for leisure or work)

• Office wearables (how productive are your employees really?)

• … and tons of other areas yet to be explored for everyday use.

..what next?

• I think wearables will get really popular and then disappear entirely. Because I think the next step after wearables is implantables. Why strap something every morning on when you can just insert it and forget it?