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In the fast-paced world of technology, smartwatches have emerged as one of the most innovative and versatile gadgets. These wrist-worn devices, once seen as mere luxury extensions of smartphones, are now evolving into powerful and independent gadgets that provide users with an array of features and functionalities. At first, people perceived smartwatches as a luxury item, because of the high prices and the therefore limited access to it (Fonte, 2021). The higher cost of smart wearables compared to traditional watches can be attributed to their enhanced functionalities, encompassing features like sleep and heart rate monitoring, as well as activity tracking. As we look ahead to the future of smartwatches, it becomes evident that several emerging technologies are set to redefine the way we interact with these devices.

One of the most promising developments in smartwatches is the integration of health and fitness tracking features. Beyond basic step counting and heart rate monitoring, future smartwatches are expected to incorporate advanced health sensors that can monitor blood glucose levels, detect early signs of diseases, and provide real-time health insights (Smith et al., 2023). These devices will not only help individuals track their fitness goals but also serve as personal health companions.

Picture from https://biareview.com/which-good-smart-watch/ 

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities are also on the horizon for smartwatches (Stanimirović & Kurz, 2014, Park & Lee, 2018). Some companies (like Apple with Apple Watch) are already working on incorporating AR elements into their devices, enabling users to overlay digital information onto the real world through their watch displays. In the future, we may see smartwatches that can seamlessly blend digital and physical environments, opening up new possibilities for navigation, gaming, and productivity.

Another exciting trend is the advancement in battery technology. As smartwatches become more feature-rich, they require more power (Charara, 2022). Emerging battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries and energy-efficient processors, are poised to extend the battery life of smartwatches, addressing one of the primary concerns of users (Bardenhager & Langer, z.d.).

Connectivity is also evolving in smartwatches. The integration of 5G connectivity will enable faster data speeds and lower latency, making it possible to stream high-quality content, make video calls, and download apps with greater ease (Mishra et al., 2021). Additionally, smartwatches are becoming more independent from smartphones, with built-in cellular capabilities, allowing users to make calls and access the internet directly from their wrist.

Lastly, customization and personalization are key areas of development. Future smartwatches will offer more design choices, materials, and bands, allowing users to express their individuality. Advanced AI algorithms will analyze user preferences and habits to offer tailored suggestions, making these devices even more intuitive and user-friendly.

In conclusion, smartwatches have come from being luxury extensions of smartphones to becoming indispensable tools with a wide range of functionalities. As we look into the future of these wearable devices, it’s evident that they will continue to evolve, driven by emerging technologies that promise to reshape how we interact with them. From advanced health monitoring capabilities to the integration of AR and VR, longer battery life, enhanced connectivity, and increased personalization options, the future of smartwatches is full of exciting possibilities. These innovations are set to transform smartwatches into not just convenient accessories but true companions that empower us to lead healthier, more connected, and personalized lives, firmly establishing them as an integral part of our tech-savvy world.

Bardenhager, I. & Langer, F.,  (z.d.). Technologies for processing of solid-state battery materials and cell assembly under inert atmosphere (GloveBox). Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM. https://www.ifam.fraunhofer.de/en/technologies/battery-laboratory-for-the-development-of-solid-state-batteries.html 

Charara, S. (2022, 26 oktober). What’s next for smartwatches: health, design, features and more. Wareable. https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/future-of-smartwatches-health-design-features-6440 

Fonte, C. (2021, 20 april). The future of smartwatches – SmartWatches.org. SmartWatches.org. https://smartwatches.org/learn/the-future-of-smartwatches/ 

Mishra, D., Zema, N. R., & Natalizio, E. (2021). A High-End IoT devices framework to foster Beyond-Connectivity capabilities in 5G/B5G architecture. IEEE Communications Magazine, 59(1), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.1109/mcom.001.2000504 

Park, K., & Lee, J. Y. (2018). New design and comparative analysis of smartwatch metaphor-based hand gestures for 3D navigation in mobile virtual reality. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 78(5), 6211–6231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-018-6403-9 

Smith, A. A., Li, R., & Tse, Z. T. H. (2023). Reshaping healthcare with wearable biosensors. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26951-z 

Stanimirović, D., & Kurz, D. (2014). [Demo] Smartwatch-aided handheld augmented reality. IEEE Xplore. https://doi.org/10.1109/ismar.2014.6948495 

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Ever since I can remember, I have been captivated by the world of fashion. However, my fascination doesn’t lie in the realm of design; instead, I’m drawn to the behind-the-scenes magic of managing fashion. Fashion is an ever-evolving universe, now constantly shifting from fast fashion to sustainable alternatives, recycling, and the embrace of second-hand treasures. One particularly fascinating topic within the fashion landscape, one that holds immense potential for transforming the industry, particularly in mitigating its negative environmental impacts, is the concept of the metaverse.

The metaverse, a digital realm where imagination knows no boundaries, is emerging as a game-changer for fashion (Balchandani et al., 2022). This virtual dimension offers a unique platform for creativity, innovation, and sustainability. It allows fashion enthusiasts to transcend the physical constraints of the industry and explore limitless possibilities. As we witness the metaverse’s evolution, it’s becoming increasingly evident that it holds the keys to reshaping the fast fashion landscape, notorious for its excessive waste and exploitation.

Picture from New York Fashion Week runway from www.businessoffashion.com

In the metaverse, fashion becomes an immersive experience, seamlessly blending the tangible and digital worlds (Park & Lim, 2023). It offers a space where sustainable practices can thrive, allowing designers and consumers alike to explore eco-friendly materials, experiment with digital clothing, and reduce the need for physical production. As we strive for a more sustainable future, the metaverse presents an opportunity to redefine our relationship with fashion, promoting conscious consumption and environmental responsibility. Besides that, the metaverse can offer an online ‘fitting-room’, where people can create avatars of themselves (Marr, 2022a). These avatars can be completely shaped to the individuals themselves, with the same sizes and dimensions. For the fashion industry, this could lead to much less waste, because people can already see how the clothes would fit their individual bodies.

Picture from https://style.me/

I’m truly excited to be a part of this transformative journey, as the metaverse opens doors to a fashion realm where beauty knows no boundaries, and sustainability takes the center stage. In embracing this digital frontier, we have the potential to rewrite the narrative of fashion, ensuring that it not only dazzles our senses but also nurtures our planet. The metaverse is ready to be a sign of hope, illuminating a path towards a more sustainable and ethically conscious fashion industry, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting revolution.

Balchandani, A., Berg, A., Hedrich, S., Ekeløf Jensen, J., La Merle, L., Rölkens, F., & Amed, I. (2022). How the fashion industry can get into a metaverse mindset. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/how-the-fashion-industry-can-get-into-a-metaverse-mindset 

Bain, M. (2022, 17 februari). New York Fashion Week took on the metaverse, with mixed results. The Business of Fashion. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/new-york-fashion-week-took-on-the-metaverse-with-mixed-results/ 

Marr, B. (2022a, juli 1). The metaverse, digital dressing rooms and the future of fashion retail. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/07/01/the-metaverse-digital-dressing-rooms-and-the-future-of-fashion-retail/ 

Park, H., & Lim, R. E. (2023). Fashion and the Metaverse: clarifying the domain and establishing a research agenda. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 74, 103413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103413 

Style.me. (2023, 1 maart). Style.me | a new way to experience digital fashion. https://style.me/