Articles tagged with "wearable-technology"
Headfirst unveils self-adjusting helmet with built-in brake light
Headfirst, an Amsterdam-based collective, has introduced an innovative self-adjusting bike helmet designed to enhance rider safety and comfort. A standout feature is the integrated glowing brake light positioned at the rear, which signals to trailing riders and vehicles when the cyclist slows down, improving visibility both day and night. The helmet also incorporates a patented SafeFit system that allows the sides to inflate or deflate for a personalized, snug fit, preventing common issues like disrupted hairstyles and the "mushroom head" effect. Beyond fit and visibility, the helmet prioritizes comfort and sustainability. It features strategically placed ventilation slits for airflow, breathable and washable padding, and straps secured with recycled magnetic buckles made from recycled polyester. The outer shell uses durable ABS with 15% recycled content, while the inner protection employs expanded polypropylene. The helmet offers advanced multi-impact protection, especially targeting the occipital region of the brain, and comes in small and large sizes to accommodate users of various ages, including children. After securing
IoTwearable-technologysmart-helmetsafety-innovationsustainable-materialsenergy-efficient-lightingself-adjusting-fitColor-changing skins created for robots to react without wires, screens
Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed stretchable, synthetic skins that mimic the color-changing abilities of cephalopods like squids and octopuses. These skins replicate chromatophores—pigment-filled sacs in cephalopod skin that change appearance when muscles spread the pigment—allowing the materials to dynamically alter color in response to environmental stimuli such as heat, light, pH, and humidity. Unlike traditional electronic displays, these autonomous materials operate without wires, rigid electronics, or user input, enabling soft, flexible devices that sense and react to their surroundings in real time. The technology holds significant promise for applications in soft robotics and wearable devices, where flexibility, adaptability, and water resistance are critical. By tuning the chemical composition, the skins can be programmed to respond to specific environmental triggers, potentially allowing a single wearable to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously. This innovation could replace conventional LED screens or fixed components in certain contexts, offering a new class of human-machine interfaces that display information through
robotmaterialssoft-roboticssynthetic-skinscolor-changing-materialswearable-technologystimuli-responsive-materialsMeta is reportedly building AI smart glasses with Prada, too
Meta is reportedly developing AI smart glasses in collaboration with the Italian luxury fashion brand Prada. This partnership marks a strategic move by Meta to expand its AI eyewear technology beyond its existing collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, a major eyewear conglomerate with which Meta has previously worked closely. While Prada has historically partnered with EssilorLuxottica for its eyewear production, it is not owned by the company, indicating Meta's intent to diversify its fashion partnerships. Meta has already achieved significant sales success with its Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses, having sold millions of units. The recent collaboration with Prada suggests Meta's ambition to integrate advanced AI features into high-end fashion eyewear, potentially broadening the appeal and market reach of its smart glasses. The article also hints at upcoming products involving other brands like Oakley, though details remain limited. Overall, Meta is positioning itself to merge cutting-edge AI technology with luxury fashion through multiple brand partnerships.
IoTsmart-glassesAI-technologywearable-technologyMetafashion-techaugmented-realityNot just fingerprints: Scientists say your breath is just as distinct
A recent study led by brain scientist Timna Soroka at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals that individual breathing patterns are as unique as fingerprints, enabling identification of people with nearly 96.8% accuracy. Using a lightweight wearable device that monitors nasal airflow through soft tubes beneath the nostrils, researchers recorded 24 respiratory parameters over a full day from 100 healthy young adults. The findings suggest that breathing is not merely a mechanical reflex but is intricately shaped by neural activity and influenced by factors such as physical activity and emotional state. Beyond identity, the study found that breathing patterns also reflect broader health indicators, including body mass index, sleep-wake cycles, and mental health traits like anxiety and depression. For example, participants reporting anxiety exhibited shorter inhales and greater variability during sleep. This raises the possibility that breathing patterns could serve as non-invasive markers for mental health diagnostics and even therapeutic targets, as altering breathing might influence emotional states. However, the current device has limitations, such as its
IoTwearable-technologyrespiratory-monitoringhealth-diagnosticsbrain-activitybiometric-identificationmental-healthSnap plans to sell lightweight, consumer AR glasses in 2026
Snap has announced plans to release a new pair of lightweight, consumer-focused augmented reality (AR) smart glasses called Specs in 2026. Unlike its earlier, bulkier Spectacles launched in 2016, these new glasses will be smaller, lighter, and designed for everyday public use. Specs will feature see-through lenses that project graphics into the user’s field of view and include an AI assistant capable of processing both audio and video. The glasses will leverage Snap’s SnapOS developer ecosystem, allowing millions of existing AR experiences (Lenses) from Snapchat and previous Spectacles to be compatible with the new device. The announcement comes amid growing competition in the AR glasses market from major players like Meta and Google, both of which have recently unveiled or plan to unveil their own AR products. Snap aims to differentiate itself through its robust developer platform and AI capabilities, including new features like a Depth Module API for anchoring AR graphics in 3D space and partnerships with companies like Niantic Spatial to build AI-powered world maps. However, key details such as pricing, exact design, and sales strategy for Specs remain undisclosed. While Snap is optimistic about making AR glasses practical and appealing for consumers, the market’s response and the device’s affordability will be critical to its success.
IoTaugmented-realitysmart-glassesAI-assistantwearable-technologySnapOSAR-applicationsApple unveils watchOS 26 with new design, wrist-flick gesture, and AI Workout Buddy feature
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced watchOS 26, a significant update for the Apple Watch featuring a redesigned interface based on the new Liquid Glass operating system. This redesign aims to unify the user experience across Apple devices. A notable new interaction is the wrist-flick gesture, which allows users to dismiss notifications, mute incoming calls, and silence timers or alarms with a simple flick of the wrist. The update also introduces the AI-powered Workout Buddy, which leverages Apple Intelligence to analyze workout data in real-time and provide personalized encouragement through a dynamic text-to-speech voice. The Workout app has been streamlined for easier access, and Workout Buddy offers motivational pep talks at the start of runs. Additionally, watchOS 26 brings the Notes app to the Apple Watch for quick note-taking and viewing, enhanced ambient noise detection to automatically adjust call and notification volumes, and new Messages features like Live Translation, aligning the watch’s capabilities more closely with the iPhone.
IoTwearable-technologyApple-Watchsmart-devicesAI-fitness-assistantgesture-controlmobile-operating-systemsApple AirPods get new features, including studio-quality audio and a camera remote, at WWDC 2025
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced new features for its AirPods lineup, focusing on enhanced audio recording and camera control capabilities. The AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2 will gain studio-quality audio recording, enabled by a combination of the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and computational audio. This upgrade promises improved sound quality for recordings made on the go or in noisy environments, as well as more natural audio during iPhone or FaceTime calls and other voice applications. Additionally, AirPods users will be able to control their device cameras remotely by pressing and holding the AirPods stem. This gesture can activate the native camera app or a third-party camera app, with options to start either photo or video capture. The video capture feature is particularly noted as beneficial for social media content creators, such as TikTok users. The camera remote function may also hint at future integration with augmented reality (AR) devices.
IoTwearable-technologyaudio-technologysmart-devicesApple-AirPodsH2-chipcomputational-audioApple’s new Workout Buddy helps you sweat smarter
Apple has introduced Workout Buddy, an AI-powered workout coach designed to enhance fitness routines by providing real-time coaching based on users’ current workouts and historical fitness data. This data includes metrics such as pace, miles logged, activity rings closed, and training load. Workout Buddy utilizes a text-to-speech model to deliver motivational feedback through generative voices modeled after Apple Fitness+ trainers, allowing users to select from multiple voice options. The AI also offers dynamic updates during workouts—highlighting milestones like fastest mile or distance markers—and provides a summary at the end, detailing average pace, heart rate, and achievements such as completing a first 10K run. In addition to Workout Buddy, Apple is updating the Workout app on the Apple Watch and iPhone with a new layout that makes features like Custom Workout and Race Route more accessible. The app also integrates enhanced media features, enabling Apple Music to recommend playlists or podcasts tailored to the user’s workout type or listening preferences. Apple emphasizes that Workout Buddy is designed to be personal and private, aligning with the company’s broader focus on user privacy. The feature will initially be available in English and support the most popular workout types.
IoTwearable-technologyAI-fitness-coachApple-Watchhealth-monitoringsmart-workoutfitness-technologyScientists sew up smart t-shirt, gesture-reading gloves using sound waves
smart-textileswearable-technologygesture-recognitionIoThealth-monitoringacoustic-wavessmart-wearablesGalaxy Ring - thiết bị theo dõi sức khoẻ siêu nhỏ
IoThealth-technologysmart-ringwearable-technologySamsunggesture-controlBluetooth