2018 finally started the era of wearable technology, especially audio devices. Bose’s SoundWear Companion was a decent hit. Smartwatches, especially the Apple Watch Series 4, continued to make inroads. Let’s take a look at the state of wearables in 2019.
Bose Frames
Bose’s audio sunglasses have just hit the market, and they received an overall enthusiastic review on this blog. I have been using these a lot lately, and I do have some wishes for an upgrade to the Frames.
First, better battery life would be great. 3 1/2 hours of streaming playback is minimal, especially when it takes about two hours to completely charge the Frames. Also, prescription lens options would make these even more of a special device. Still, in general, the Bose Frames are worth the $199 price tag.
Bose Frames - Alto Style
Smartwatches
2019 should expand on an already great 2018 for the smartwatch industry. The Apple Watch 5 could see an even bigger screen, and it could be the wrist device that finally (sort of) replaces your smartphone. Future watch devices from Fitbit and Samsung will also challenge the traditional definition of a watch.
Apple Airpods 2
Some may not consider the AirPods wearables, but they do pretty much hang from your ears without any wires. And they are something that people wear all-day long. Apple is widely expected to release the AirPods 2 during the first half of 2019.
The new AirPods could be dangerous.
Not only are the AirPods expected to offer the “Hello Siri” feature, but they could offer some type of noise cancellation, which is a scary thought. It’s easy to imagine drivers forgetting to turn off the noise cancellation feature once they get in the car. And that can be really problematic.
Microsoft HoloLens Update
This blog reviewed the original HoloLens, the augmented reality device that became available to “developers” in 2016. Although it was certainly a unique device, the joy wore off fast and there wasn’t enough software to take advantage of the HoloLens. The viewing angles were also problematic.
The new version of the HoloLens, code-named “Sydney,” could arrive the first quarter of 2019. It is not only rumored to be cheaper (the last HoloLens was priced at $3,000), but lighter with a much better display. Perhaps, with the lower pricing, this admirable technology can finally go mainstream in 2019.
Conclusion
By the end of the year, you will see people wearing all different types of wearables, including some types of devices you’ve never imagined. Perhaps the best wearable device of 2019 is one that hasn’t even been announced yet.
