Latest news with #wearabletech
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
A Glucose Monitor for Someone Without Diabetes: Optimal or Overkill?
The latest smart wearable got under my skin. Two weeks ago, I used an applicator with an intimidating needle to lodge a tiny wire into the back of my arm. Since then, the sensor has sent my blood-sugar levels to my phone every 15 minutes.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Apple AI Wearable Of The Future Detailed In Patent Filing
Apple patent diagram An Apple patent filing has been published over at the Unites States Patent and Trademark Office, detailing a new kind of wearable that could be the basis of a future AI interface. The 'wearable loops' patent was spotted by Patently Apple and, as ever, these filings should not be taken as solid evidence a company is planning on releasing the device detailed. However, it's interesting enough to warrant some extra attention, particularly as this patent arrives recently after previous Apple collaborator Jony Ive cemented an AI design partnership with OpenAI. The 27-page filing looks into a 'wearable loop-shaped electronic device' that could be worn on the wrist, around the neck, or could be place on items like keys or doorknobs to provide spatial information or act as a tracker. Apple wearable loops patent diagram As in many of these filings, this one explores a host of ways this technology could be used. For example, rather than simply featuring an accelerometer to judge motion when worn on the neck, ankle or wrist, it suggests the wearable could be used to analyze blood pressure and skin moisture, or to provide an EKG reading. It suggests Apple's wearable loops could feature communications circuity like a microphone, or even emit light to, again, be used as a form of positional sensor. The patent also describes haptic feedback used to relay information to the wearer, and the loop's ability to potentially change shape. 'The haptic output devices may cause the fabric cord to change from a furled shape to an unfurled shape,' the filing's summary reads. While this may sound a little out-there on the page, it could let Apple's Wearable Loops switch from being something you wear on the wrist or put in a bag, to a wearable long enough to fit around your neck for voice input. A thin loop like this is not the obvious fit for a speaker or screen, but the patent does leave room for either to fit into an iteration of this device concept too. It's starting to turn into a sort-of next-generation Apple AirTag with more uses than that old reliable Apple favourite. And the patent also suggests it could be important for the future of any Apple Vision Pro style headsets, or Apple's long-awaited smart glasses. The Apple Wearable Loops 'may be used as an anchor or visual marker in an augmented reality or virtual reality system,' the documentation suggests. Not only may these trackers have tech similar to that of the Apple U2 location-tracking chip, their suggested ability to emit light means they could act like a visual indicator for a VR/AR headset. There's a solid argument that VR headset tech may have already matured beyond the need for those, though, at least for basic use cases like boundary definition. And that's in affordable headsets like the Meta Quest 3, not the even more powerful Vision Pro and co. One recurring part that seems to be in place regardless of the style of Wearable Loop discussed is it will use wireless charging to receive power, including the use of a wireless charging case. Is this a likely vision of a future Apple device? Not really, but something based on similar concepts could make a more easygoing alternative to Apple's anticipated smart glasses. Part of their job is to begin the process of making the iPhone a secondary device, if not consigning it to the past altogether. Apple's patent filing was attributed to Paul Puskarich, whose LinkedIn profile suggests he has worked at Apple since 2008.
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Hands-free, AI-driven, and stylish: Priced at Dh1,330, are Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses making life easy?
You know that feeling when you unwrap a shiny new toy and instantly want to show it off? That's exactly what the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses feel like to me—except this isn't just any toy. It's wearable tech that walks the fine line between futuristic and fashionable. Meta and EssilorLuxottica's latest offering—now officially launched across the UAE—blends Ray-Ban's iconic eyewear with artificial intelligence, multimedia functionality, and hands-free freedom. And as someone constantly juggling calls, catching up on headlines, capturing fleeting moments, and toggling between apps—these glasses feel like a low-key Jarvis wrapped in Shiny Chalky Grey. Yes, I made an Iron-Man reference. One of the first things I noticed (and loved) was the open-ear speaker system. It's discreet, non-invasive, and surprisingly punchy—especially the bass. The medium volume setting is ideal: loud enough to enjoy your music or podcast, but soft enough to still hear the world around you. Whether I'm walking between meetings, heading to interviews, or just grabbing coffee, I don't need to pull out earbuds anymore. Phone calls? Crystal clear. Even in the middle of a busy street, the five-mic array filters out enough noise to keep conversations sharp and easy. Photo and video capture is another standout. The 12MP ultra-wide camera delivers immersive, portrait-oriented 1080p videos—perfect for social media content or just reliving your day through your own eyes. But here's a small gripe: it would be nice to have different aspect ratios—portrait mode is the default, and in my opinion, it limits creative flexibility. Different formats would definitely open up even more storytelling options. What really excited me? Livestreaming. The ability to broadcast directly to Instagram or Facebook Live, hands-free, for up to 30 minutes—that's a dream for creators, reporters, and influencers alike. It gives viewers your literal point of view, with zero fuss. "Hey Meta" Let's talk about the built-in Meta AI. It responds instantly when you say 'Hey Meta' and can tell you anything from local news to a landmark's backstory. As a journalist, I tested its usefulness by asking about trending headlines in Dubai and globally. While the info wasn't always laser-accurate, it was never false—just a little fuzzy around the edges. Still, the very fact that I can now ask my glasses what's happening in the world and get a solid answer in real-time? That's wild. Even cooler: Meta promises more updates, including live translation (coming soon to the UAE) and offline voice support with pre-downloaded language packs. This isn't just tech for today—it's a platform that's learning, adapting, and becoming more useful with time. The one feature I'd fix While the features work well, one thing bugged me: the glasses respond to any voice. So if your friend borrows them and says 'Hey Meta,' the AI answers them just as it would you. Voice recognition limited to the primary wearer would be a logical next step — both for privacy and a more personalised experience. The Ray-Ban Meta collection brings together form, function, and future-thinking in one stylish package. Add in prescription, sun, clear, polarised or Transitions lenses, and it becomes even more personal. Starting at Dh1,330 in the UAE, this isn't just a pair of smart glasses—it's a statement. A hint of what's next. And while we're still far from holographic projections or full-fledged Iron Man tech, this is a promising prototype of what's to come. Final verdict? A smart, sleek, and surprisingly capable everyday wearable that makes you feel just a little bit like Tony Stark — without needing a billion-dollar lab.
Phone Arena
23-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Apple loses the top spot in the global wearable band market
Quick. Name the top wearable band vendor in the world for the first quarter of this year. Apple? BZZZZ. If you think about it, the answer is pretty easy to figure out. Thanks to its low-priced Mi Band series, Xiaomi took the top spot in this category which includes smartwatches and less functional wrist-worn devices. The Mi Band has been extremely popular since it was first launched back in 2014 priced at $14. The data was released today by Canalys. One of the few Xiaomi products easily available in the U.S., the Mi Band stops short of being a smartwatch but for the price it usually delivers enough functionality to keep its place on the buyer's wrist. Personally, I purchased the Mi Band 7 back in 2022. For the first quarter of 2025, Xiaomi shipped 8.7 million units, 44% more units than it shipped during the same quarter last year. This allowed the Chinese manufacturer to surpass Apple with a leading 19% market share. The last time Xiaomi topped the charts was in the second quarter of 2021. The Apple Watch fell from the top spot to second place as shipments rose a meager 5% from last year's initial quarter to 7.6 million timepieces. Apple's market share was 16% during Q1. Xiaomi grabs the top spot from Apple in global wearable band shipments during Q1. | Image credit-Canalys Huawei shipped 36% more wearable bands in the first quarter to finish right behind Apple with 7.1 million units delivered. This performance enabled the company to remain in third place during the January-March period with a 15% slice of the global wearable band pie. Samsung had the best performance during the quarter with its shipments soaring 74% to 4.9 million units. In developed countries, Samsung sold its premium smartwatches while in emerging markets it relied on lower-priced mass-market devices. Samsung's market share was 11% during the first quarter. Finishing in fifth place was Garmin with its shipments rising 10% to 1.8 million units. The company's global market share in the wristband industry came to 4% in Q1. The price of a smartwatch is the most important factor used by consumers to determine which model to buy. | Image credit-Canalys Overall, 46.6 million units were shipped during the first quarter, up 13% year-over-year. Growth was seen in all three categories: basic bands, basic watches, and smartwatches. Basic bands and basic watches led the way. The results of an interesting survey were included in the report. It showed that the number one factor that buyers look at when determining whether to purchase a smartwatch is the price of the device followed by the battery life. The brand was number four, just below health-tracking features. The design and style of the timepiece came in fifth.
The Verge
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Verge
the time, so I relate to the anxiety described in this
The dark side of wearable tech. I wear three to five wearables all New York Times article. Managing it is a huge part of my job, which is why I wrote this how-to with a lot of my tips and tricks. And as I've said on many a Vergecast episode, I purposefully break streaks to preserve my mental health. Friendly reminder from your neighborhood wearables expert: you are allowed to take breaks.
