Wearables

This is a technology that has come a long way. Over the years there has been inventions, upgrades, tests and deployment in the real environment. Before we go further (and some of you get lost) let’s see the Wikipedia definition of wearables

These are smart electronic devices (electronic device with micro controllers) that can be worn on the body as implant or accessories. The designs often incorporate practical functions and features.

Wearable devices such as activity trackers are a good example of the Internet of Things, since "things" such as electronics, software, sensors and connectivity are effectors that enable objects to exchange data through internet with a manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices, without requiring human intervention.

The world of wearable is big and even getting bigger. Lots of people when they hear wearables their minds think of watches. This is very true smart watches are one of them but there are lots of wearables out there including:

·         Fitness bands

·         Sleep trackers

·          Smart headphones

·         Gps trackers

·         Smart Glasses

·         Gamming  kits

·         Etc.

The list can go and and on. Most of them fall under IOT as functionality is display or data collection.

How they operate?

This devices run on a couple of different operating systems, some have share platforms while others perform specific tasks that a custom system has to be created. They include:

·         Android Wear

·         Tizen for Wearables

·         Pebble OS

·         WebOS

·         Watch OSBand

·         Firefox OS for Wearables

All of this wearables com in different sizes, shapes and architecture and a lot of factors are considered when this devices are developed or purchased.

Factors to consider

First safety. How safe are they both to human and the environment? If you have to attach a device to your body it has to be clean unless you want to walk around with a device that emit radiative waves.

Secondly Security. This comes in two ways as well. How easy is it for someone to steal it? How is it attached is it to your body? With these into consideration it also has to be stylish as well. Apart from physical security there comes data security. How easy is it to be hacked?

This is the point you have to think out of the box due to the fact that if your wearable is hackable (let’s say your watch) there might not be important data in there but it might be a gateway to your phone. Just pointing out.

Thirdly storage. The amount of storage space in them. Where is this info being uploaded to and when? Some sync with the cell phone and some with could so this is a critical factor to consider. What is the encryption algorithm? If any.

Forth transmission. Do you require Bluetooth or wireless depending on the functionally of the device one has to choose on which to use. If it will be used to pair a phone use Bluetooth if you have to sync with cloud user wlan but these depends on functionality.

Lastly but not least battery. Over the years this has been a real issue. How is the device consuming the internal battery? How long does it last? What is the average time is it supposed to be on the user’s body? All these are Qs that both parties have to consider when purchasing or developing one.  

All in all this is a very interesting part in tech that is still in the development stages. My advice to all the young forks out there reading this, definitely do a deep research in this field. I have a couple of white papers in this subject (if you may need one). In additional of doing A+, computer repair and “basic IT” definitely have a look at this field.