Arguably the most exciting trend in tech right now is smart wearables. It's a recent innovation, but many companies are jumping on the wagon. Google has its famous Google Glass, but it also just announced Android Wear to put it firmly in the market. There have been many indy companies like Pebble and Metawatch who have come out with strong offerings to the market, and there are established companies like Samsung and Sony who have also recently released smart wearables.
Last week I purchased a red Pebble Smartwatch. I then took a weekend in Chicago and wore it the whole time without really thinking about it. I was able to adapt pretty quick and began to find myself using it effectively. When I got home from the weekend my roommates caught a glance and had a reaction which I didn't expect. One roommate said he isn't excited at all for smart wearables because it's one more thing that will distract him. I hadn't thought about this before he mentioned it, but he did raise a good point and it's moved me to write a piece on why I'm not only not bothered by smart wearables, but why I think they're a great enhancement to how we interact with our other devices, particularly our phones.
Last week I purchased a red Pebble Smartwatch. I then took a weekend in Chicago and wore it the whole time without really thinking about it. I was able to adapt pretty quick and began to find myself using it effectively. When I got home from the weekend my roommates caught a glance and had a reaction which I didn't expect. One roommate said he isn't excited at all for smart wearables because it's one more thing that will distract him. I hadn't thought about this before he mentioned it, but he did raise a good point and it's moved me to write a piece on why I'm not only not bothered by smart wearables, but why I think they're a great enhancement to how we interact with our other devices, particularly our phones.
For anyone paying attention, you know this already, but the Pebble is the smartwatch that has really set the standard for what a smartwatch should be, but it's also one of the more humble when it comes to features. It's a black and white screen with a vibration motor and a 4ish day battery life.
The number one reason I think the smartwatch is going to improve how we are dealing with technology is that it's subtle. When you get a notification on your phone, in order to check it, first your phone must announce you notification - often audibly, then you have to take your phone out of your pocket, turn the screen on, unlock the screen, and then check the notification. On the smartwatch (the Pebble at least) each notification vibrates the watch and the information is displayed on the screen. Not that checking your watch is a respectful thing to do when you're deep in conversation with another person, but it's a lot easier to get away with if your conversation buddy gets distracted for a second. It makes what is quite the ordeal a simple glance down. I don't even use a ringtone anymore.
The number one reason I think the smartwatch is going to improve how we are dealing with technology is that it's subtle. When you get a notification on your phone, in order to check it, first your phone must announce you notification - often audibly, then you have to take your phone out of your pocket, turn the screen on, unlock the screen, and then check the notification. On the smartwatch (the Pebble at least) each notification vibrates the watch and the information is displayed on the screen. Not that checking your watch is a respectful thing to do when you're deep in conversation with another person, but it's a lot easier to get away with if your conversation buddy gets distracted for a second. It makes what is quite the ordeal a simple glance down. I don't even use a ringtone anymore.
The other thing that's very nice about this subtlety is that it makes it easier for everyone to ignore a notification that isn't important. One thing that we can all relate to is interrupting a conversation to look at an incoming call, only to realize it's an ex-girlfriend calling to presumably to catch up and let you know how happy she is now. The ignore process is almost as cumbersome as checking notifications and is definitely drawing attention. Now, for me, all I have to do is click one button on my wrist and ignore the call - it's quite simple and inconspicuous. It is much better for the present moment.
But I haven't really addressed my roommates issue. In order to disconnect, I have to leave my phone and now my watch behind. It's not a huge pain in the butt, but I get that it will keep you connected more than it would if you didn't have it around. It is harder to get away from the buzz of the world and retreat. There are silent hours that you can set on the watch itself, but random moments of peace will be easily interrupted.
But I haven't really addressed my roommates issue. In order to disconnect, I have to leave my phone and now my watch behind. It's not a huge pain in the butt, but I get that it will keep you connected more than it would if you didn't have it around. It is harder to get away from the buzz of the world and retreat. There are silent hours that you can set on the watch itself, but random moments of peace will be easily interrupted.
That all being said, I don't think we live in a world that it's responsible to be disconnected from. We have these amazing tools in our pocket that allow us to reach out and connect with one another easier than ever before. Because they are such a useful tool, we are relying on them more and more. This also places a larger dependency on others since the phone is a tool of connection. If I'm not available, I'm letting someone down, and sometimes in a big way (we don't want Annie to have to sleep outside!).
For me, the smartwatch is a great tool which allows me to be in the moment while still being someone who the rest of the world can continuously depend on. After a lesson or two in balancing being present virtually and physically and mentally, it's allowing me to be more present with all everyone without burdening those who I'm with.
For me, the smartwatch is a great tool which allows me to be in the moment while still being someone who the rest of the world can continuously depend on. After a lesson or two in balancing being present virtually and physically and mentally, it's allowing me to be more present with all everyone without burdening those who I'm with.
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