The Future of Wearable Tech

Wearable tech is already beginning to bridge the gap between ourselves and cloud-based technology. Especially for those in older generations, a future of seamless integration between the user and the cloud is a pretty immediate possibility.

The last 10 years have been transformational for wearable tech. They already boast high level functionality, especially when you consider the amount of time these watches have been on the market. However, any smart watch user will agree that there are still limitations - even on the best models.

So what improvements can we expect in the next decade?

Calling functionality on any network and 5g connectivity as standard

At present, only some smartwatches are capable of making calls without having your phone right next to you. This is fine, until you’re out exercising or running errands and don’t want to carry your phone along. Additionally, watches that have their own 4g connection seem to be limited when it comes to networks. Over the coming years, this will be something that wearable manufacturers are sure to change. As we see the transition over to 5g, many watches will come with this functionality as standard.

Full banking integration

The trouble of going out and forgetting your wallet will be a thing of the past in the coming years. Once again, a technology that is already prevalent but lacking is banking integration and wireless payment processing with wearables.

Many people have been switching to online-based banking services over the last few years, and sadly, some of these aren’t yet supported. This is very likely to change in as little as the next couple of years, with all types of financial institutions integrating with wearables.

Improved voice control and AI

The likes of Siri and Google Assistant have really nailed their voice recognition over the last few years. However, when it comes to wearables, voice to text or Google Assistant is lackluster at best. As voice tech improves alongside the AI underpinning it, you can expect to have the ability to schedule meetings, make calls, and even book the cheapest flight to your favorite vacation spot on command. It’ll be like having your own PA on demand.

Control your home from your wrist

While smart tech as a whole becomes more mainstream, your wearables will also have the ability to unlock doors, schedule lights to come on and even turn up the heat or AC. Tracking may even eliminate the need for you to talk or press anything, opening up gates and doors for you as you approach the building or switch rooms in the office.

Improved health tracking

Health trackers will move beyond exercise. With improved sensor technology, our wearables will be able to give us a full overview of our vitals throughout the day as well as while we exercise. Moving even further ahead, this kind of tracking data could have the potential to be synced with medical files so your GP can monitor your health and wellness on demand. This translates to less in-person appointments for check-ups.

Beyond the watch

Smart watches are just a small subdivision of the wearable tech industry, and some reports have suggested that in as little as five years we could see smart clothing become the norm. Their applications vary widely from monitoring health and vital signs to producing renewable kinetic energy from your own movements.

One thing’s for sure, the coming years are going to be exciting for this industry. Even over the past few years, we’ve already advanced greatly from what would be considered extremely basic wearables/fitness trackers to an integral connection that brings technology closer to us than ever before.