Do you have the time? Or do you have an Apple Watch?
If you haven’t purchased an Apple Watch, you’re not alone. According to a recent study from Horizon Media’s Finger on the Pulse, close to two-thirds of people between 18-65 years say they aren’t interested in owning one. In fact, the study reports that only two in 10 people express interest in owning the new high-tech timepiece. By comparison, earlier Horizon research found that 50 percent of smartphone users expressed interest in using Apple Pay when it launched. It appears the high cost of the watch is the top deterrent, as well as consumers’ lack of interest in owning another connected device. When asked for the top reasons they aren’t interested in Apple Watch, more than half responded that they did not want another connected device, while nearly 4 in 10 reported that owning an Apple Watch would be another technology distraction. In addition, they reported not finding the promise of Apple Watch convenient; some criticized it for being too small to use for texting, email, browsing the internet, etc. Respondents appear to believe they can get Apple Watch features and benefits on their other devices. The greatest interest in owning an Apple Watch – and wearable’s in general – appears to come from Millennials, of which 30 percent responded positively.
An apple a day
An apple a day keeps the doctor away – or so the old proverb would have us believe. And, for those who have purchased an Apple Watch, Lark Technologies Inc., has introduced the free Lark Chat app – reportedly a new way to approach weight loss and healthful lifestyle changes. A personal weight loss and fitness coach that is assessable at all times with the tap of a finger, requires no extra activity trackers or complex calorie counting apps. And, it’s reported to be easily accessible from an iPhone or Apple Watch. The user texts or verbally reports what he or she ate, and within a matter of seconds, a personal nutritionist responds with tips and tricks for trimming down. In addition to prompting better nutrition choices, Lark Chat automatically monitors one’s steps, activity and sleep by harnessing the power of the motion sensors built into the phone, and saving everything required to monitor fitness and stick to goals. The App also helps manage protein and sugar intake, sleep habits and can be a complement to other nutritional plans and diets.
Wearable snow tech
Great news for snow lovers: Silicon Valley-based AR Devices has introduced GogglePal, the next generation of wearable technology for skiers and snowboarders. Bringing wearable tech and augmented reality to the snowsports world, the small, lightweight GogglePal magnetically attaches to the lower corner of a user’s goggle lens, allowing him or her to track speed, vertical, calories burned, time, location and direction – all in real-time. In addition, it connects skiers and riders with their friends through on-mountain gaming and stat sharing via the free iOS GogglePal app. The cost is $100.
Smart shopping
NXT-ID, Inc., a biometric authentication company focused on the growing mobile commerce market, has introduced its Wocket® Smart Wallet, said to support a wide range of retailers and merchants, as well as ATMs, gas stations with dip-style readers and point-of-sale terminals that require one’s full name, which other emerging card technologies find difficult. Mobile payment transactions have been a developing concept for making quick and easy payments using a device that is not only safer, but also more likely to get consumers to buy more as they browse.
Mind games
Mind Solutions, Inc. has introduced NeuroSync – reportedly the world’s smallest BCI (Brain-Computer-Interface). The product, expected to retail for $129, is compatible with over 100 thought-controlled apps, ranging from mind games and accessibility programs to brain efficiency applications for both the desktop computer and mobile smart phone.
Tell it like it is
Goodsnitch recently announced the launch of its Express Feedback® app for the Apple Watch. The free app enables Apple Watch users to quickly locate a nearby business or organization and provides real-time feedback on products, services and employees in as fast as 10 seconds.
Office protocol
Safety in the workplace means something new these days. According to Chubb’s 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Business Risk Survey, many people would like their employer to welcome wearable technology in the workplace, and they claim to be unfazed by drones flying overhead. Indeed, 59 percent of respondents said they would always (or often) permit drones to inspect utilities, facilities or property in remote areas. That said, most respondents would like companies to provide drone operators or employees with safety training, ensure the data or images captured do not violate an individual’s privacy rights, and notify and obtain written consent from businesses and individuals subjected to surveillance or fly over.
In addition, nearly half of survey respondents said employees should be able to always (or often) use their own personal wearable device while engaged in construction, utility or work-related physical activity. They were less likely to approve the use of personal wearable technology on the manufacturing floor, in corporate strategy meetings, while driving for business purposes, when meeting with clients or during a job interview or a performance review.
When it comes to printing, however, many survey respondents expressed being concerned about the safety of materials used to manufacture 3D printed products, as well as the durability and performance of those products. Nevertheless, they appear willing to consider using 3D printed items, including the following:
- A prosthetic limb, such as an arm, leg or hand
- Shoes or clothing
- An automotive part
- A house
Only 23 percent of respondents said they would eat 3D printed food, and eight percent said they would not use any 3D printed item.