The capabilities of wearable tech are growing at an unequivocal rate. The question is how can we best implement it to enhance lives? Who could most benefit? And how can we make such technology publicly available and financially viable? Nike, Fitbit, Jawbone and many more have already recognised the potential for exercise fanatics or those looking to increase activity and subsequent health.

The technological giant Nuance, thought to be behind Apple’s voice recognition genius Siri, have come up with a different application. A software, implemented into current bracelet designs, that will contact loved ones nearby to alert of distress or trouble. The technology, thought to be available soon will allow connection to up to five individuals nearby alerting of danger allowing quicker response and prevention of numerous issues present in everyday society.

Potential application of such a technology is vast presenting opportunity to negate risk for numerous situations ranging from cardiac event to assault. Emergency services surely have to be at the front of the line to implement the software into their current practice.

Further information on the technology is currently limited but judging on the previous developments of the multinational company it is likely that the software will be implemented into current wearable tech as opposed to Nuance themselves designing their own. Without doubt wearable tech giants will be crawling all over each other to get their hands on this one. The only question now, who’s going to be the first?

Regardless of who, what, where and when the potential for wearable tech is moving up a gear providing real life benefit and a subsequent route into the mainstream, my prediction? In ten years time it’ll be strange not to be using a wearable, not the other way round.

Jack Barton (Researcher, Rescon Ltd)


Links

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/nuance-comm-developing-bracelets-that-can-send-distress-calls-to-your-loved-ones/articleshow/34306401.cms