British fashion designer Hussein Chalayan recently partnered with Intel to give the clothes in his new show that little added something—electronics that monitor stress levels. This can only have been for both companies to show off a little, especially for Intel to make a fashion case for its Curie module, an itty-bitty computer. Chalayan has previously commented that “Only … [Read more...]
CES: Misfit Gets the Swarovski Crystal Treatment
What fitness trackers apparently need is some bling, and Misfit and Swarovski will give it to you. The companies announced today a new line of Swarovski Shines: a clear crystal model and a violet one that can do solar charging. (Misfit Shines, it should be noted, use watch batteries and run for the best part of a year.) You can pre-order now at misfit.com; retail sales … [Read more...]
More on will.i.am Puls Cuff Announcement
The Puls, introduced at Dreamforce, looks like a nice chunk of tech. The Puls is not a tethered device. Unlike nearly any other wristware, it has its own SIM card, with service provided by AT&T in the US and O2 in the United Kingdom. The thing itself looks to be about 1 2/3 inches wide with a curved passive matrix OLED touchscreen of 180x280 pixels. The black band closes … [Read more...]
2014 Predictions in Wearables: More of the Same, But Get Ready for an Explosive 2015
At the end of each year, tech journalists are usually called upon to predict the year ahead. Having been in the predictions business as a strategic analyst and a journo, I try to keep in mind two maxims: "If you're going to make predictions, make a lot of them. People remember the hits and forget the misses." -- unknown, but possibly economist Milton Friedman "The future is … [Read more...]
Go ahead. Find the Bike Helmet.
The Swedish company Hovding has built a bicycle helmet you can't see. It's a collar that deploys like an air bag when needed. Before: Before: After: A better look: Here's a video of a bunch of crash tests: And another more inspirational video: [vimeo https://vimeo.com/43038579] I know helmets mess up your hair, but I'm … [Read more...]
Rocket Scientist Builds High-Tech Halloween Costumes
It's the end of October, and what's a publication that can't figure out a holiday news peg, right? Here's a story about an honest-to-goodness rocket scientist who found himself with a booming business making Halloween costumes based on wearable technology. Mark Rober worked for the Jet Propulsion Lab on the Mars Curiosity Rover. Two years ago, he strapped a couple of iPads … [Read more...]
A Belt That Gives Directions
Nothing can make you feel (or look) like a tourist -- or a target -- quite so much as looking down at your phone while you navigate through an unfamiliar city or neighborhood. An Indigogo project called Triposo is a belt that connects to your phone and map app, and buzzes when you need to make a turn. Different parts of the belt vibrate to tell you whether to turn left or … [Read more...]