Wearables: Future or Flop?
- Bianca deKock
- Jul 28, 2015
- 3 min read
Both myself and, well, just about everyone has been fascinated by the concept of wearable tech these days. Where I live, tech reigns supreme. This has made the San Francisco Bay Area one of the most expensive, exclusive, yet also the most innovative and forward thinking, places to be. I mean, did we ever think a day would come when we don't need our phones, but rather a gentle buzz of a delicate bracelet? Then again, we human kind never thought our world would revolve around electronic devices in the way it does today. To be honest, when wearable tech first hit the scene, it looked like a cheesy costume prop out of a sci fi movie. At least, that's how I felt. As much as we love our high tech toys, no fashion forwrad lady was going to wear anything of the sort. However, some of the top designers, in combination with cutting edge technology are changing that! Personally, I'm drawn to the idea of remaining connected, while looking cute, so I thought, a little research couldn't hurt, could it?
The MICA Smart Bracelet

So just about everyone has a smartphone, but what about a smart bracelet? By the looks of it, Intel and the brand Opening Ceremony are a perfect match But what exactly does this thing do? When you purchase this bracelet, just as you would with a phone, a 2 year data plan is included. You even receive a phone number allowing you to send and receive texts, and will alert you upon receiving any emails. On the device, you have exclusive access to Refinery 29's App, as well as Yelp. The smart bracelet may be synced with Google. The mission control center of this thing? It's all in the sapphire! While it is a touch screen, it is discreet, and simply appears as a statement peice, rather than the sophisticated peice of
technology that it is. When you're done for the day, simply charge the device at it's clasp where a USB port is located. Too good to be true? Coming in at $495, I don't know if it's something I could completely ditch my phone for, but hey, if I had the money, why not? It would be nice to lighten my already too heavy purse load, or convenient for nights out. Oh, and it's really pretty.
Ringly

Innovation always seems to bring about a sense of ease, along with condensing what we need into a smaller, neater, sleeker package. Maybe it isn't capable of doing what a smart bracelet, or smart watch does, however, this device will alert you on any incoming notifications, while looking like well, a ring. With Ringly's own app, you can filter the notifications you will receive to block spam, and focus on the important ones like work, social, or personal engagements. It comes in a variety of gemstone colors, and is compatible to sync with both Android and iOS phones. The price, at $260 seems fair considering what it can do, and its good looks.
Rebecca Minkoff Notification Bracelet

Personally, I'm not one to wear rings. I always feel like I'm going to lose them. That's why for me, the ideal option is a notification bracelet. Rebecca Minkoff is one of my favorite desingers because her looks are both classic and feel cutting edge. She has teamed up with Case Mate to provide an easier way of staying updated. This bracelet will alert you with calls an texts from the contacts you decide upon. If your constantly running out of a charge, not to worry, this thing has a 30 day battery life, so you'll only have to charge your actual phone. While this bracelet is compatible with most iPhones, it is not compatible with all Androids. To keep your phone charged at full capacity, get Rebecca Minkoff's mobile charger to match.

We've all been there. You're waiting for a ride, or trying to find your friend, when your phone dies. So, it's actually pretty handy to have a portable one on hand. Many on the market come with cumbersome cords, or simply do not work. It charges rapidly, as to not interfere with your time to get ready before going out! However, it is only compatible for iPhones. There are also handbags made by great brands like Mighty Purse and Perry, with built in chargers adaptable for both droids and iPhone. For the girl who always has to look fabulous, yes, even at the gym, you can even buy a Tory Burch Fitbit that is stylish enough to wear all day for premium activity tracking down to every step! Whether or not you're conviced that wearable tech is the future, or if its a flop, you can veiw all the products, in which I am no way affliated with, on my Wardrobe!
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