Who said technology was making us lazy?
Wearable tech, just like anything on the smartphone scene, has taken off in the past year, meaning new smartwatches and wearable gadgets are coming out thick and fast. But is all this tech turning us into lazy smartphone addicts? Or is it having the opposite effect, motivating us to get off the sofa and become fitness freaks?
Reports suggest that one in six people own some form of wearable technology, whether it’s a smartwatch, a smart bracelet or just a good old fashioned pedometer. So if you’re thinking of buying into the wearable electronics trend- or are simply asking what’s the point- our smartwatch review should answer all your burning questions!
What do we use smartwatches for?
Many people assume that a smart watch is just a fad, alongside the mini disk player, QR codes and the furby, but with all the big dogs in the smartphone world having a go at developing the best wearable gadgets, maybe it’s here to stay longer than we thought.
So what is wearable technology for? And what do smartwatches do?
Tech addicts
The obvious reason behind the release of so many smart devices is that we’re all a bunch of self-confessed smartphone addicts who need to access or calls, messages and apps at a moment’s notice. But is that necessarily the case?
Step away from the smartphone!
When questioned about their wearable tech usage, a number of smart watch owners admitted that they wore their devices so they could actually put their smartphones down. Rather than check their phones every time it made a sound, wearables allow users to disregard unimportant notifications with a simple glance, meaning you’re left with more time to get on with whatever you were doing.
Other users labelled the hands-free qualities of smartwatches as the reason why they owned the tech. With built-in GPS, many wearables have been designed to give you directions on the go, as well as allowing you to make calls safely if you’re behind the wheel.
Fitness Fanatics
Although smartwatches only truly took off when the likes of Samsung, LG and Apple got involved in the trend, the idea is hardly a new one.
With Garmin watches and fitness trackers having been around for years, the birth of the smartwatch has brought fitness monitoring to the masses. They fact that devices are now getting smaller and more technologically advanced means that more and more people are spending their hard earned cash not on fancy gym memberships, but simple wearable devices which put the control back in your hands- or wrist if you like.
Although around 34% of smart watch users allegedly ditch their fitness trackers within six months of buying them, this number is down considerably from last year, suggesting that the benefits of wearable electronics are starting to grow.
Most devices- from the bog-standard watches to your high tech models- will have the ability to track your steps, count your calories and even provide you with an in-built blood pressure monitor! Other benefits of fitness trackers include an increased motivation as you can share your workouts with your friends via social media, as well as the ability to improve your sleep pattern (some watches can wake you up at your optimal time rather than jerking you awake).
So who said technology was making us lazy? The Misfit Shine certainly isn’t.
Best smartwatches you can buy
So with dozens of wearable devices hitting the market, all with different uses, which is right for you?
FitBit Flex
Sitting at the top of the fitness tracking tree is FitBit, and the FitBit Flex is right up there for health fanatics. With the ability to track your every move, from steps taken to calories eaten, the Flex is a light and comfortable fitness monitor that’ll just slot into your active lifestyle.
And if you’re slightly lacking when it comes to motivation, the FitBit Flex is your best friend; with flashing lights which illuminate whenever you reach a new goal, it’s super easy to find out how far you are from hitting your fitness targets.
Why not join the fitness revolution with a FitBit Flex?
Jawbone up
Another of the best smartwatches hitting our shelves is the Jawbone Up, a simple rubber bracelet which intelligently tracks your day’s activities without you even thinking twice about it.
With the Jawbone app free to download on most smartphones, you can transform your morning walk to work into progress charts and graphs which help you make sense of your fitness regime.
Like the sound of the Jawbone wearable device? Read more about the Jawbone Up here or grab yourself one today.
LG G Watch
The LG G Watch is the perfect companion for those who want to get fit, but also want to get closer to the smartphone action. With voice recognition tech built into the smartwatch you can browse the web, check film times and even make calls, all by simply starting with “OK Google”.
And with Google’s new Android Wear operating system on board the G Watch, your wearable tech can be compatible with any Android smartphone!
Want to get your hands on one of the first Android Wear watches? The LG G Watch has the style and specs to keep you happy!
**Did you know that there are loads of wearables **you can get for free with a smartphone contract? Browse through all our free gifts to get in on the wearable tech action!