Wearable technology is a blend of both fashion and function, with emphasis on the function aspect. The number of wearable tech devices is predicted to jump to over 830 million by the year 2020. Wearable tech has grown beyond simple step counters, that’s for sure. From trackers exclusively for fitness that can monitor all kinds of health stats to wearables with more productivity features in mind, the coming year holds both improvements to existing technology, as well as some new innovations. Here are the top 10 wearable tech pieces, new and improved:
Top 10 Most Useful Wearable Tech for 2019
1. Apple Airpods
That’s right, Airpods were likely at the top of many people’s holiday wish lists this year, and they are only expected to gain even more popularity in 2019. This is wearable tech at its simplest, but don’t underestimate the humble headphone. Bluetooth headphones are an essential these days, with completely wireless options beginning to really fine tune their technology. If you’re looking for a high-end set of earbuds, Apple has you covered (of course).
Specification:
- Bluetooth wireless
- Lightweight at just .14 ounces for each bud
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Dual optical sensors
- Motion-detecting accelerometer
- Speech-detecting accelerometer
- A single charge gives you up to 5 hours of music, or up to 2 hours of talk time
- Charging case provides up to a full 24 hours of music, or up to 11 hours of talk time
- Fast charging; 15 minutes charging offers up to 3 hours of music, or 1 hour talk time
2. ANKER Soundcore Liberty Lite
For Android users who want the same total freedom offered by the Airpods, or for iPhone users that just want something different, ANKER offers great functionality in their wireless buds, with a more affordable price tag.
Specification:
- Up to 3.5 hours of music playback with a single charge
- Charging case, which offers up to 9 extra hours of music playback
- Ultra fast bluetooth 5 pairing; push and go technology allows the buds to automatically connect to your phone or device after the first pairing
- Water and sweat resistant
3. Apple Watch Series 4
Apple makes another appearance with their series 4 smartwatch and fitness tracker. In the coming 2019 year, wearable high-tech fitness devices are expected to be the number one fitness trend after a lull in their popularity for 2018, per a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine. Continued improvements to these devices make them more reliable and even more packed with features.
Specification:
- On-wrist ECG, low and high heart rate notification, fall detection, and emergency SOS
- Automatic workout detection with new yoga and hiking workouts; cadence and pace alerts for runners
- Activity sharing with friends, monthly challenges, personalized coaching, achievement awards
- Built-in cellular offers walkie-talkie, phone calls, messages, streaming apple music and podcasts, and new features to use with Siri
4. Fitbit Versa
For every lover of the Apple watch, there’s a lover of the Fitbit brand, especially with their newest release: the Versa. Whether you’re an Apple phone user that wants to branch out, or an OG Android and Fitbit fan, the Versa is filled with awesome features.
Specification:
- Fitbit “Today” feature allows you to see your goals for the day, progress, and stats; gives personalized reminders and insights to help you achieve your goals
- Reminders to move, so you stay active
- Guided breathing sessions to reduce stress and help create mindfulness
- PurePulse Heart Rate tracking
- Personalized workouts on screen
- Over 15 exercise modes
- Connected GPS
5. Bellabeat
Maybe diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but elegant and functional tech pieces designed for women like the Bellabeat might just take reign as BFF. Wearable pieces that offer both beauty and function are climbing their way to the top of the tech list, especially now that technology has advanced in a way that allows for elegance instead of bulkiness. They’re not just pretty to look at, though. These pieces focus on providing insight to mental health by monitoring things like respiration rate, so you know when you need to take a break and a breather, to maintain your zen.
Specification:
- Sleek, elegant, and fashionable; no screen needed, just sync to the app
- In-depth sleep tracking; duration, wake time, sleep time, sleep quality, and alarm feature
- Works with both Apple Health and Google FIt
- Versatile fashion; can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or clipped to clothing like a broche
- All the fitness tracking you love; distance, steps, calories burned, active time, activity reminders
- Meditation sessions, guided meditation, and meditation duration
- Stress Predictions, including sensitivity, sleep impact, women’s cycle impact, pregnancy impact, and more
- Reproductive health; track your period, ovulation, and pregnancy
6. Motiv Ring
Rings make a simpler, yet attractive statement, compared to a sporty-looking tracker. If compact function is what you’re looking for, a fitness tracking ring like Motiv is right up your alley. Technological advances have allowed the chasi of trackers to shrink considerably, with this as the result.
Specification:
- Heart rate tracking
- Waterproof up to 164 feet
- All traditional tracking features; steps, distance, calories, sleep, and active time
7. Spotnsave Wristband
Sure, health is important for everyone, and the wearable tech folks know this. Hence the availability of wearable smart tech for children. Keeping track of calories, steps, miles, and heart rate is all well and good, but for seniors, safety is also a concern. For some older individuals, mobility is increasingly difficult with regular daily activities, never mind purposeful exercise. Enter safety wristbands, like Spotnsave. While this specific tech item is still in production, it certainly won’t be the first or only one of its kind.
Specification:
- Fall detection
- GPS tracking
- Button-press sends your GPS coordinates to the person or people of your choice as an SOS for all emergencies
- Suitable for everyone; children, seniors, and even husbands
8. LECHAL GPS Shoes
While the focus of wearable tech is primarily on fitness trackers fused with productivity features, 2019 may also be a good year to look out for additional wearable technology devices, like smart shoes. Remember those light-up heels on shoes that were all the rage in the 90’s? These are way cooler.
Specification:
- Navigate hands-free; gentle vibrations instruct you on where to go, when to turn, etc- even if you’ve just stepped off a plane into a new country, and offline as well
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and more
- Works with Apple Health and Google FIt
9. Timex IQ+ Move
Analog watches are classic; stylish, professional, and put-together are their very essence. It’s hard to compete with all the features of the smart watch, though. That is, until now. Timex has combined the best of both worlds.
Specification:
- Track Steps, Distance, Calories Burned and Sleep
- Countdown Timer, Alarm and Perfect Date (aka perpetual calendar)
- Light-up dial
- Water resistant up to 165 feet
10. Withings Steel HR
If you like the analog style watch but you want a souped-up version even compared to the Timex model, Withings Steel HR provides even more features. Finally you can be both business professional and fitness buff at the same time.
Specification:
- Continuous heart rate and in-depth monitoring plus daily and overnight HR
- GPS workout mode maps your workout with distance, pace, and elevation
- Sleep tracking
- Water resistant up to 165 feet
- Call, text, and app notifications
- 25 day battery life with one charge
2019 is a year of both new wearable tech and astonishing innovations to previous tech pieces that everyone already knows and loves. Find your newest piece here, for a healthier, happier, and trendier you.
