Wearables 101: Understanding the Different Types of Devices and What They Do

The wearable technology market has exploded in recent years, with a vast array of devices available to track our fitness, monitor our health, and even control our music. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of wearables. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of wearables, their features, and what they can do to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

1. Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers are the most common type of wearable device. They’re designed to track your daily activity, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. They often include additional features such as:

• • Heart rate monitoring

• • GPS tracking for running, cycling, or other outdoor activities

• • Sleep tracking

• • Notifications from your smartphone (e.g., texts, emails, social media alerts)

Examples of popular fitness trackers include Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch.

2. Smartwatches

Smartwatches are more advanced wearables that combine the features of a fitness tracker with those of a smartphone. They can:

• • Make and receive phone calls

• • Send and receive texts

• • Control music playback

• • Access apps (e.g., social media, email, games)

• • Track fitness and health metrics (e.g., heart rate, sleep)

Examples of popular smartwatches include Apple Watch, Samsung Gear, and Fossil Gen 5.

3. Smart Bands

Smart bands are simple, affordable wearables that focus on fitness tracking and notification alerts. They’re often more basic than smartwatches but still offer:

• • Step tracking

• • Heart rate monitoring

• • Notification alerts

• • Basic fitness tracking (e.g., distance, calories burned)

Examples of popular smart bands include Xiaomi Mi Band, Huawei Band, and Amazfit Band.

4. Smart Glasses

Smart glasses are wearables that combine the functionality of a smartphone with the convenience of glasses. They can:

• • Display information (e.g., notifications, directions)

• • Take photos and videos

• • Translate text in real-time

• • Control music playback

Examples of popular smart glasses include Google Glass, Vuzix Blade, and Focals by North.

5. Hearables

Hearables are wearables that focus on audio and hearing health. They can:

• • Translate languages in real-time

• • Provide hearing assistance for the hard of hearing

• • Offer noise cancellation and sound enhancement

• • Track hearing health and provide alerts for potential issues

Examples of popular hearables include Oticon Opn, Phonak Marvel, and Nuheara IQbuds.

6. Smartwatches with Medical Features

Some smartwatches offer advanced medical features, such as:

• • ECG monitoring

• • Blood oxygen level monitoring

• • Fall detection and alert systems

• • Seizure detection and alert systems

Examples of popular smartwatches with medical features include Apple Watch Series 4 and later, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2, and Garmin Forerunner 945.

Conclusion

With so many types of wearables available, it’s essential to understand what each device can do and what features are important to you. Whether you’re looking for a simple fitness tracker or a more advanced smartwatch, there’s a wearable device out there that can help you achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being. By considering your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision about which wearable device is right for you.