A few years ago, smartwatches seemed like a product straight out of science fiction books. Now, you can use this to track your fitness, receive and make phone calls, reply to text messages, listen to music and even make contactless payments, all from your wrist.
They gather a lot of data, process it, and provide us with an actionable set of information, which ultimately helps us learn more about ourselves. And the best thing is, you don’t always have to reach into your pocket to check for something as you have the device on your wrist.
This perfect combination of utility and easy access makes them the best accessory for everyday use. Here are some interesting facts about your favorite little piece of technology:
- Smartwatches have been around for a While
Smartwatches may seem like a thing from the future, but the concept of a watch serving multiple functions dates back to 1927. The Plus Four Wristlet Route Indicator was a scroll-map navigator in a watch.
However, the real boom happened in the 80s and 90s. Seiko released a number of kids safety watch with basic computing capabilities. The Data-2000 (1983) could store two memos every 1,000 characters. The RC-1000 (1984) could link to a personal computer. The Receptor MessageWatch (1990) used FM radio signals to receive pager messages.
Perhaps the first true modern smartwatch was the Microsoft SPOT (2004). The SPOT received instant messages and emails, but the users could not reply. Instead, it received the news, weather, and stock updates through radio.
- It has immense health benefits
Modern smartwatches are equipped with a range of body sensor technology. For example, even the most basic models have a step tracker to measure activity tracking. On the other hand, state-of-the-art smartwatches have many sensors that track activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and an extensive range of sports.
Professional athletes use smartwatches to keep track of training and performance. Anyone can benefit from this technology by keeping track of their activity, calorie outputs, and workout sessions.
Many studies have shown that smartwatches are much more active than those that don’t. Almost 57% of people started working out after buying one of these. People who use this technology, on average, take 2,000 more steps every day.
Smartwatches can also be a helpful addition for people who have trouble sleeping. It can be worn all night to track sleep duration and quality. This allows the wearer to adjust their habits to promote healthy sleep patterns.
You can also add mindfulness reminders to your smartwatches. These reminders can push you to take some time out for yourself for a short breathing exercise. This brief moment of peace during your busy day can benefit productivity and mental health. A bit of push from a smartwatch can make all the difference in your daily routine.
- It’s a fashion statemen
Although smartwatches began their journey as a utility product, like every accessory we wear on our bodies, it has slowly crept into fashion. There was a time when only the traditional watches were permissible to wear at formal events. This has taken a radical turn with the rise of wearable technology.
Now, most people do not hesitate to wear their smartwatches to work, dates, or even weddings. As a result, in recent years, watchmakers have made a significant effort to make their smartwatches more fashionable to make them the ideal everyday accessory.
This piece of wearable technology has even gotten the mainstream’s approval. High-end luxury fashion brands have entered the smartwatch business. While smartwatches are not cheap, the perfect combination of form and function makes them attractive to consumers.
- It was inspired by a Sci-Fi
Life often imitates art. This is true of smartwatches, which were inspired by science fiction. Many science fiction characters wore watches that served many functions to aid them in their adventures, from Dan Dare to Captain Kirk. Likewise, modern smartwatch designers owe a lot to fiction writers who wanted to capture the spirit of a futuristic world where technology helped our lives in strange ways.
The concept of smartwatches seemed so far-fetched that they could only exist in fiction. This, however, is no longer the case. In the modern era, many brands are producing smartwatches. The transition from fantasy to real-world technology has been rapid and remarkable.
- It is the future!
Smartwatches rely on smartphones to some extent, as the majority of them have to be linked to a phone to provide a wholesome experience. It’s almost like wearing a secondary phone display on your wrist.
However, thanks to the relentless advancement of technology, smartwatches will soon function independently. Some Samsung Smartwatches already seem like a thing from the future.
Smartwatches are set to rule the markets in the near future, with innovations and apps being made explicitly. So it’s safe to say the sky’s the limit for smartwatch makers.
Over to you…
Now, smartwatches are a flashy product on the rosters of nearly every major tech manufacturer and fashion company. Soon, they may evolve from luxury accessories to everyday necessities. You should buy one as soon as you can to benefit from the immense utility of these devices.