Wearables: Pros and Cons of Wearable Technology

Lesson 2: Pros and Cons of Wearable Technology

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Pros and cons of wearable technology

In the last decade, there's been a surge of popularity in wearable technology, including activity trackers, smartwatches, and smart clothing. Both consumers and companies are beginning to use various devices for a variety of applications. With no sign of slowing down and a growing impact on society, it's important to consider the pros and cons of wearables.

Pros

Wearable technology provides us with the ability to monitor our fitness levels, track our location with GPS, and view text messages more quickly. Best of all, most of the devices that allow us to do this are hands free and portable, eliminating the need to take our devices out of our pockets.

Before wearables, it was possible to obtain a lot of the information listed above, but it was sometimes a hassle and required devices that weren't always convenient. Wearables are connected to our smart devices, transmitting this information to them and allowing us to view it at later times, as well as in the moment. This can help you with setting goals and tracking your progress toward them.

Cons

Wearables tend to have a fairly short battery life. Some devices, like the simpler Fitbit trackers, can last for several days. But some of the more advanced wearables, like the Apple Watch, will only last for a day or so. For some, it can be a hassle to remember to regularly remove your wearable to charge it. Because of this, a number of developers are looking into the possibility of wireless charging options that would eliminate the need to remove the device.

Some wearables have been reported to measure data inaccurately on occasion. This can be especially dangerous when measuring data like heart rates. For individuals with heart conditions, this false reading could lead to overexertion and further health issues.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether a wearable device is something from which you would benefit. With their increase in popularity, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before committing to one.

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