The 10 Coolest Wearable Tech Gadgets For 2022 So Far
Wearable technology is becoming a huge market, and more and more players are entering the space. No longer just confined to watches, the wearables concept is spreading into other parts of everyone’s lives.
Wearable devices—technology that can be worn on the body—are multiplying in the market. CRN takes a look at the coolest devices to hit store shelves and various body parts in 2022.
Things have certainly changed since the first Bluetooth headset hit the market in 2000. According to research firm IDC, wearable shipments reached more than 533 million in 2021. And in 2022 the number of connected wearable devices worldwide is expected to reach 722 million. That market will surely grow as more consumers and business users become comfortable using wearable tech for just about any task.
While hearables and smartwatches dominate much of the wearable markets, new devices are cropping up as consumers look for different ways to stay connected through wearable tech. Portability is nice, but the convenience of having a device attached and usable on demand takes this tech to the next level.
Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Imagine Marketing led growth in wearables for the last quarter of 2021, according to IDC. But the “others” category showed positive year-over-year growth as well.
“That shows demand is spreading out to other companies and products, all of which bring added diversity and price competition to attract and retain more customers,” Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at IDC, said in a statement. “And because there is still strong demand for first-time users, vendors can court them with features similar to Apple’s products but at much lower price points.”
Here are the Coolest Wearable Gadgets of 2022
• Levi’s Trucker Jacket by Google
• HSI Wireless Wearable Finger Mouse
Ray-Ban Stories
There’s nothing more iconic than a pair of shades. And Ray-Ban is perhaps the most iconic maker of sunglasses. But when the company teamed up with Facebook parent company Meta to create a pair of smart glasses, things got really interesting. The glasses allow users to take photos and videos, listen to music and calls, and share content directly to social media—perfectly fitting for a cool stroll through the Metaverse.
These smart glasses are available in three shapes and with either prescription or non-prescription lenses. The Stories Smart Glasses also offer 20 frame and lens color combinations.
The glasses are available starting at $299.
Levi’s Trucker Jacket with Jacquard by Google
When fashion and technology intersect, it’s a beautiful thing. The denim jacket is a timeless standard and with a connectivity upgrade from Google, users can do more than look like James Dean. The Levi’s Trucker Jacket with Jacquard by Google lets users stay connected to messages, allowing them to get alerts and handle tasks with the brush of the cuff. With the ability to assign different LED-colored lights to specific notifications, users can stay informed without constantly glancing at a screen. This jacket also allows users to trigger photos, control music or hear navigation prompts in the car.
Users need to simply download the Jackquard App from Google.
Price: $139.98 but currently out of stock at the Levi’s site.
HIS Wireless Wearable Finger Mouse
Now here’s a wearable gadget that will help improve workflow. The Wireless Wearable Finger Mouse from HIS lets users use their wireless mouse from anywhere. It works as a remote control for presentations, or as a pointer. In tight spaces, it requires virtually no body movement to control. The company said the lack of wrist motion helps relieve or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The unit attaches to an index finger and is available in four color options.
Priced at $89.99
Bose Sleepbuds II
Most earbuds boast about heightening the streaming experience. But the Bose Sleepbuds II eschews the normal streaming features of earbuds, opting instead for a more disconnected tech experience specifically designed to help users get some needed rest at night. With preprogrammed relaxation sounds and active noise-masking, these buds will have users nodding off without the need for a prescription pharmaceutical. The Sleepbuds only play content from the Bose Sleep app.
Faro Smart Helmet by Unit 1
The Faro Mart Helmet should become standard gear for anyone biking—especially at night. This amazingly cool wearable tech uses LED lights to let users be seen at night and signal turns. The helmet can even detect a hard fall via special embedded accelerometers and send out a distress SMS to a programmed emergency contact. Add-ons allow users to add a handlebar dock for signal control. The helmet is offered in four colors, including Blackbird (black), Stingray (gray), Maverick (light blue), and Juniper, (light green). This gear is waterproof and scratch-resistant for the most demanding riders.
Price: $279.80 (Mips safety system and turn signals are add-on features)
QardioCore Wearable ECG EKG Monitor
Here’s a wearable that may help user increase their life span. The QardioCore Wearable ECG EKG Monitor is a medical-grade wearable that allows users to continuously monitor heart function and health. The company said the device is particularly suited for people with increased health risk caused by family predisposition, history of heart attacks or strokes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and excess weight. Instead of wires and patches, the QardioCore is a simple device that straps around the chest to wirelessly record heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature, heart rate variability and track activity.
The QardioCore costs $476.49 but is currently out of stock.
Handheld Group’s SP500X Scan Printer
Here’s one for the business users looking to up their company’s logistics game. The SP500X Scan Printer is a wearable that scans bar codes and can print directly onto packages. The nifty device can strap to a user’s hand to help with order fulfillment, package sortation, and syncs with warehouse management systems, cross-docking or other distribution systems. The SP500x can do over 6,000 scans and prints in four hours on a single charge. The device does not print out labels, instead, it prints directly onto the package in high-visibility cyan ink. Measuring 3.4 x 5.4 x 2.3 inches and weighing a bit under a pound, the device isn’t tiny—but it’s manageable for a high-productivity machine.
Woojer Vest Edge
This device is all about the experience. Whether users are watching a movie, gaming or strapped into their favorite VR headset, the Vest Edge uses haptic transducers to provide an immersive audio experience. Professional audio engineers will appreciate this device for the ability to monitor bass in studio and on the stage. The technology behind the vest is impressive, making use of the Osci actuator designed to generate the haptic sensation with placement of actuators on body hotspots to convince the brain that the entire body is exposed to high acoustic energy, the company said.
The Vest Edge is priced at $429, but is on sale during June for $278.
Oura Ring (third generation)
The Oura Ring marries the classic jewelry ring design with modern tech that includes research-grade sensors to monitor sleep, activity, temperature, heart rate, stress and more. The ring holds four to seven days of battery life and takes a full charge in 20 to 80 minutes. This is a device that allows users to track their health metrics without signaling to the world that they’re doing so. A recent collaboration with Gucci shows the company is just as serious about its fashion posturing. But feeding a steady flow of health metrics to its app can help users maintain a healthier lifestyle and look smart at the same time.
Pricing from $299.
Tile Slim Tracker
Now here’s a wearable that’s discrete and useful. The Tile Slim is designed to fit into a standard men’s wallet credit card slot. It hooks up with Tile’s App to send an alert in case a user misplaced their wallet. The tile works with Apple and Android devices, features up to 250 feet of Bluetooth range, three-year battery, is water-resistant and has voice-assisted finding with Alexa, Google and Siri. The slim comes in three colors, including black, sand and sage.
Priced at $34.99 with one year subscription to Tile Premium.