It seems that wearable technology is going to be the in thing in the next few years. During the 2012 Google I/O, a major theme that was being pushed would be technology that would be wearable by the consumers.
Instead of having to bring along a separate device in bags or pant pockets, it seems that Google (and other tech companies for that matter) would want users to actually wear them as part of their outfit. Perhaps the idea behind this is that it would make the device much more embedded into the lives of its users.
Historical Use:
Industry observers mentioned that the idea is not that far-fetched. In fact, the military would already have prototypes and actual products of utilizing wearable computers. Usually, these military themed devices are used either for their communications capabilities or their GPS functionalities. However, the trend is to slowly bring these military devices into use for regular consumers.
In fact, there are now more companies who have tried to integrate their devices into more wearable designs. For example, MIT researches have long been looking at how they can manufacture wearable computers. Another example would be on how Apples iPod Nano has now made a wristband like peripheral which you could use to wear the highly capable device as a wrist watch.
Googles take:
Not one to be left behind by technology, Google also has something up their sleeve. They have previously announced the Google Glass. Google glass is a wearable device that would provide its users with a video game like heads up display while they are doing their everyday tasks.
Some analysts believe that Googles involvement in wearable technology would help push forward the acceptance of wearable devices. As of now, the use and acceptance of it is usually limited to the aforementioned military uses as well as to some of the rich and tech savvy people.
Analysts are speculating that similar to what happened with Android and smartphones, a Google role in the push for wearable technologies would also help push the number of devices that would provide this kind of function to the consumers,
Of course, people should note that despite the Google glass being highlighted in this years Google I/O, the actual thing is still in development. Many experts believe that the soonest that it would become available for commercial release would still be in 2 or 3 more years.
