Apple sent out cryptic messages on Friday (Aug. 29) about a launch event scheduled for Sept. 9. The tech giant will reportedly unveil the new iPhone 6 expected to arrive with a lot of fanfare, a much bigger screen, and a new scratch-resistant sapphire screen.
But also expected, though unverified, on the list of new products about to hit the public, is the much anticipated iWatch, Apple’s answer to the martwatches from LG, Samsung, Motorola, and other companies that have already jumped into the game.
Not to be outdone by Apple, Samsung has launched its latest smartwatch, the Gear S, expected to be available early October although no word yet on the price tag. Korean rival LG unveiled its second smartwatch, the G Watch R.
According to a press release, Samsung says the Gear S “designed with an elegant, curved Super AMOLED display and flexible band, Samsung Gear S fits comfortably on user’s wrist. Through 3G connectivity, the Samsung Gear S offers a new, powerful wearable experience and gives consumers the freedom to live their life on the go.”
Let the wearable tech wars begin. We are about to witness an explosion of products on the market. Some people believed that with all the various devices we have to tell the time, demand for watches were about to dip. Smartwatch technology effectively banishes that theory. In the tech game, smartwatches are one of the fastest growing categories. Users can get e-mail, text, and phone call notifications all on their wrist, without having to pull out their cell phone. Users can utilize a heart rate monitor, take photos, all with Bluetooth and GPS capabilities. Only question is, will you wear one?
Wired puts it this way, “It brings the power of the smartphone out of your pocket and into your field of vision, accessible any time you glance its way.”
Analysts say Samsung is the clear leader in this space and launching its new product to get the jump on Apple is a clear attempt to stamp its authority on the wearable tech market.
ad width="320" height="250" type="doubleclick" data-slot="/21868623726/site264.tmus/amp4" data-multi-size="320x50,320x250" data-multi-size-validation="false" rtc-config='{"vendors": {"prebidappnexuspsp": {"PLACEMENT_ID": "27198239"}}, "timeoutMillis": 500}'>According to Forbes, the iWatch, “could leverage Apple’s new health and fitness software, as well its connected home framework, and link  up with your phone for updates and notifications.”
The Gear S has 3G, Wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities and is able to make and receive phone calls and send messages. It runs on Samsung’s operating system. According to Tech Times, “Microsoft announced it is developing its own smartwatch. The new watch is expected to function on all the big operating systems and should be a continued boost into the smartwatch realm.”
Wearable tech is about to change the way we communicate and work out. Google Glass was just the tip of the iceberg. Look out for Smartwatches, health monitors, pedometers and activity trackers to be a big part of the emerging landscape in a new form of technology that most analysts believe is the new frontier.
But is the hype years ahead of the emerging market? One analyst tells Forbes, “Many of these devices are going to be like New Year’s resolutions – they’ll get a lot of attention and joy for the first few weeks before ending up in a drawer.”
Others believe the time for hype has sailed and wearable tech is here to stay. One analyst explains why to CNBC saying, “There are 2 veins of smartwatches — one which is pure vanity and one that is practical. Samsung is trying to hit across both of those.”
ZD Net had a rundown on some of the wearable technology that could be available as early as next year.
- A skin patch that does hypodermic injections throughout the day
- Smart nail polish that defends against date rape
- A smart sock that helps keep track of Alzheimer’s patients
- Bands that can see through your skin and look at the blood as it passes through
- Self-powered technology that harvests energy to power wearable devices
- Helmets that track forces that impact NFL players, RFID trackers on every player individually on the field.
If even half the possibilities on this list arrive in time for the holiday season next year, wearable technology will be poised to go way beyond the smartphone and into a new frontier where tech has never been before.
The race is on.