How wearable technology is making the functional fashionable

Since wearable technology was first introduced, it has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once niche and elitist has become accessible and affordable, what was once clunky and cumbersome has become subtle and unassuming, what was once unattractive has become sleek and stylish. As a result, the tech industry has transformed useful gadgets into symbols of elegance. Here are some of the most notable items through which practicality has been combined with contemporary tastes and trends.

Smartwatches

It’s only been a couple of years since Fitbit entered the mainstream market with their line of fitness tracker watches, but the brand is becoming ever more visible on the street as it continues to go from strength to strength. The notable upwards spike in healthy living in the city has enabled the company to thrive, but more than this, they are adapting to stay both fashionable and functional. Aside from the constantly upgrading Charge series, which offers changeable straps in all colours and styles, Fitbit have introduced smaller, slimline models such as the Flex 2. On top of this, the company have branched into premium smartwatches with the Versa and Versa Lite, with added features and more powerful displays.

Of course, smartwatches from Apple and Samsung still remain just as popular and relevant, which is only natural considering that due to the compatible software, they can be linked easily up to the respective ever-pervasive iPhone and Galaxy series, allowing you to receive notifications from your favourite apps and read all your texts and e-mails. Maybe, for now, you won’t be able to access websites such as Facebook, but their designs are sleek and versatile, with endless classy strap options for high-flyers with a more generous budget.

Smart jewellery

But it’s not just wrist tech on offer: you can now buy all manner of functional accessories. Take the Bellabeat Leaf Nature Health Tracker, for instance. This is shaped like a pendant, meaning it doesn’t have to be worn as a bracelet, but can be modified into a necklace, too. The Fitbit Flex 2 can also be worn as a pendant with the right accessories. If this isn’t evolution enough, there’s also been an incredible development in the form of the smart ring. The Smarttech Motiv Ring and Ringly Luxe offer the same fitness, heart rate and sleep-tracking technology, all wearable on just one finger.

Headphones

Now that headphones have become wireless, it’s far easier to create functional yet discreet hardware. Earbuds from companies such as DOT are getting smaller and smaller (it’s not uncommon these days to mistake someone on the phone for someone engaged in a passionate discussion with themselves). This is great news for gamers, who can enjoy mobile gaming without carrying around clunky headgear. For those who wish to make more of a statement, Beats have an increasing range of striking designs. Or, if you want to be stylish but subtle, there’s now even an option to purchase Bose Frames Rondo Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses, which incorporate audio technology into your shades. Of course, this might be less useful come the dark winter.

The editorial unit