Many perceive Technology to be the thing of the future. But do you really know that humans have been tech savvy from centuries? Here are a few unexplored facts on the amazing evolution of wearable technology.
Image courtesy : History of the Microscope
The first wearable technology traces back to the 13th century, when eye glasses were invented by Salvino D’Armati, an Italian from Florence. With no sides to support his invention was considered as a ‘balancing’ act as were balanced on the bridge of the nose but; it definitely made it easier for people with both hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (age related condition wherein, the lens eyes become less flexible) to see better.
Earliest portable clocks were invented in the 16th century. They were designed to be worn around the neck and became a popular status symbol in Europe until pocket watches and wristwatches arrived.
Image Courtesy :China Culture.org
Abacus ring – is considered to be the world’s oldest smart ring! Created by a famous mathematician Cheng Dawei this ring has seven rods with seven beads on each rod. Despite its small size, the rings still works as a counting tool, allowing traders to make quick calculations. Each bead has a value of 10, a multiple or sub multiple of 10. For example, all of the beads on a particular wire can have a value of Apart from this they were considered a symbol of abundance and wealth.
The first wearable computer was created by mathematics professor Edward Thorp in the 1960’s. Over the next couple of decades, several devices popularized and modernized wearable technology. The first being the calculator wristwatch which was launched by the most remarkable and notable brand – Casio.
It was with the advent of Bluetooth Headset in the year 2002 that wearable technology achieved popularity.Many well-known brands entered the wearable technology market between 2006-2013 with products like; fitbit, google glasses etc. 2014 is considered as the ‘Wearable Technology Year’ as wearable devices like fitness tracker , smart watches, virtual reality headsets dominated the market. During the same year Apple too entered the then niche market with its Apple Watch.
It has been observed that, employees using wearable device have shown 8.5 per cent increase in their productivity level and a sense of job satisfaction at their workplace by 3.5 per cent. Today, Wearable technology is expanding and growing at a rapid speed. A report conducted for Wearable Electronics and Technology Market has predicted that the industry could be worth an astonishing $11.61 billion by 2020. One can definitely say that, there is no looking back for the wearable technology market.
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