10 Wearable Devices That Stole The Show At CES 2019
Not Just For Your Wrist Anymore
Wearables were everywhere at CES 2019, and not just the kind you wear on your wrist. After seeing slower growth in 2018, wearables are set to explode again, thanks to improved user experiences made possible by a growing ecosystem of applications and partners, according to a report last fall by IDC. What follows are 10 wearable devices we saw at CES 2019 that are set to ride this new wave of growth in the market.
Soma Innofit
Intimates retailer Soma is offering a unique spin on the Internet of Things with a wearable product that solves a big problem for bra shoppers: finding the right fit and size. Called the Soma Innofit, the product is a wearable bra fit technology that takes accurate breast measurements in a matter of seconds. The results are instantly sent to the Soma Innofit app, which then provides recommendations for the best-fitting bras in Soma's online catalog. The wearable is now available to order for $25 (retail price $59).
Quell by Neurometrix
Quell 2.0 is a wearable device from Neurometrix that provides an over-the-counter, drug-free solution for treating chronic pain. The device uses advanced neurotechnology to stimulate sensor nerves, sending neural pulses to the brain and blocking pain signals. The device is designed to block multiple types and sources of pain. Quell 2.0 is available now for $299.
WELT
WELT is a smart belt technology spun out of Samsung that monitors things like waist size, physical activity, sitting duration and eating habits. The belt also provides an ongoing fall risk assessment based on walking speed and how it changes over time. The belt is available as a reference design for $199 on Amazon, and the company plans to eventually sell the technology in partnership with beltmakers in the U.S.
Muse 2
Muse 2 is a meditation headband that provides real-time feedback on the extent to which you are calm or stressed. The device uses EEG to read brainwaves, and it can also analyze heart rate, breath and body posture. If the device senses you are stressed, the Muse 2's corresponding app will play the sound of a storm on your headphones, encouraging you to improve your meditation. Once improved, the sound of harmonized music tones will kick in. The device is available for $249.
Focals By North
Focals is chic brand of custom smart glasses made by North that comes with a unique augmented reality display, which allows you to message with friends, receive navigation assistant, talk to Amazon Alexa for information, and browse calendar and weather information. The interface is controlled by a small, ringlike joystick. The glasses, which work with prescriptions and contacts, are available for $999.
Nreal
The Nreal mixed reality glasses aim to compete against the Microsoft HoloLens and Magic Leap One with rich 1,080p visuals at a 52-degree field of view. The low-latency glasses feature spatial sound, voice interactions and haptic-feedback controllers. The wearable runs on the Snapdragon 845 Mobile VR platform, which is located in a portable compute pack. It's set to launch later this year at a less expensive price point than the HoloLens and Magic Leap One.
Coros SafeSound
SafeSound is a smart cycling helmet from Coros that allows users to listen to music and hear their surroundings at the same time, thanks to the company's ear opening sound system. The helmet can detect falls and send notifications to a list of emergency contacts in the event of a crash. It also comes with a built-in wind-resistant microphone for phone calls, which, in addition to music, can be controlled via a handlebar-mounted smart remote. The Urban and Road versions of the helmet are available for $179.99 and $199.99, respectively.
AfterShokz Xtrainerz
The Xtrainerz are a pair of waterproof bone-conduction headphones that allow you to listen to music and podcasts while swimming. Because its designed for use underwater, the wearable lacks Bluetooth connectivity and instead features 4 GB of storage for audio files, with playback controls next to the right ear. The headphones come out in the second quarter for $149.
Golden-i Infinity
Golden-i Infinity is an enterprise-level augmented reality solution that can strap onto most glasses and hardhats. The device, which has a list price of $899, runs via a Windows 10 or Android host device and provides a wide range of applications, including point-of-view camera, barcode reader, Zoom videoconferencing, media playback and recording and language translation. Target verticals include warehousing, manufacturing, field service and utilities.
Ximmerse
Ximmerse has made a pair of augmented reality glasses that can overlay three-dimensional, interactive objects over a passive infrared surface. The glasses can also display free-floating 3D objects, such as flying saucers that appear as enemy combatants in a game. The company plans to launch products and experiences in partnership with content providers.