The 10 Coolest Wearable Tech Gadgets For 2022 So Far
The 10 Coolest Wearable Tech Gadgets For 2022 So FarCRNWearable 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• Ray-Ban Stories
• Levi's Trucker Jacket by Google
• HSI Wireless Wearable Finger Mouse
• Bose Sleepbuds II
• Unit 1 Faro Smart Helmet
• QuardioCore Wearable ECG EKG Monitor
• SP500X Scan Printer
• Vest Edge
• Oura Ring
• Tile Slim tracker
Ray-Ban StoriesThere'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 GoogleWhen 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 MouseNow 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 IIMost 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.
Price: $249
Faro Smart Helmet by Unit 1The 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 MonitorHere'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 PrinterHere'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.
Pricing on inquiry.
Woojer Vest EdgeThis 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 TrackerNow 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.
20 Cool Tech Gadgets For Back-To-School 2022
20 Cool Tech Gadgets For Back-To-School 2022CRNCRN takes a look at some of the coolest tech gear for this school year as consumers drop a record amount of cash on back-to-school and back-to-college supplies.
It's that time of year again: whether you're a grade-schooler or a college student, back-to-school shopping will have parents across the country hunting for the latest gadgets to help their kids get though another year of learning.
Gone are the days of a simple trip to the store for a Trapper Keeper and a box of No. 2 pencils. Gen Z is a little more demanding in the tech department. According to Statista, combined spending for college and back-to-school shopping will spike to a new record of $110.8 billion, an increase of $1.7 billion over 2021 spending. The average expected back-to-school spending for U.S. Consumers aged 35-44 is $1,007.69, according to the report. Inflation is driving that overall spend number up 8 percent, the report said. Total spending has trended upwards yearly since 2007, when the total U.S. Spend for college and back-to-school was pegged at $50 billion.
"Families consider back-to-school and college items as an essential category, and they are taking whatever steps they can… in order to purchase what they need for the upcoming school year," National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. "The back-to-school season is among the most significant shopping events for consumers and retailers alike, second only to the winter holiday season."
With COVID-19 shutdowns forcing students of all ages home during the height of the pandemic, students were immersed in a world of high-tech remote learning. The younger generation is becoming immersed in technology at a faster clip than previous generations. So it makes sense that 2022 would entice parents and kids to enhance their back-to-school shopping.
CRN has you covered with this handy list of cool gadgets to make the back-to-school experience better:
* Soundance Laptop Stand
* AFROG Multifunctional LED Desk Lamp
* Echo Dot
* InCase Bionic Accessories Organizer
* Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard
* MacBook Air M1
* Lenovo Chromebook Duet
* Beats Studio Buds
* Jall Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
* Backbone One-Mobile gaming controller
* Fitbit Ace 3
* Apple AirTag (four-pack)
* Q Timex Reissue Digital Watch
* Anker 313 Wireless Charger
* Kindle Paperwhite
* Nintendo Switch Lite
* Lenovo Smart Clock
* Roku Streaming Stick
* iSwift 6-in-1 portable Desk
* Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
Soundance Laptop StandEven inside the classroom, students have stayed connected to the laptops and Chromebooks introduced during the pandemic. So it makes sense to let them use their learning tool with the most comfort. The Soundance Laptop Stand is an affordable way to make sure your student isn't hunched over their laptop while working. Suitable for any laptop 10- to 15.6 inches, the stand is made from lightweight aluminum and comes in several colors.
Price: $28.99 (on sale)
AFROG Multifunctional LED Desk Lamp (4th generation)Keep your students reading through the night with the AFROG Multifunctional LED Desk Lamp with 10W fast wireless charging, USB charging, five lighting modes, touch control, auto timer, and more features. This is the ultimate lamp for a student – allowing for multiple settings, lighting choices and colors, and connectivity for devices.
Price: $39.97 (on sale)
Echo Dot (4th generation)While the small Echo Dot doesn't offer the same level of boom sound as its Echo sibling, it gives students an affordable and practical way to enjoy a smart audio device. Featuring both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, users can link up to a variety of streaming audio services. This is the most affordable way to add the excellent Amazon Alexa voice assistant to your student's back-to-school arsenal. For the younger student, parents can opt for the Amazon Kids+ service.
Price: $39.99 (on sale)
InCase Bionic Assessories OrganizerInstill a sense of economic stewardship along with organizational skills with the InCase Bionic Asscessories Organizer. The case is designed with BIONIC yard, a durable material created from recovered plastic pollution found in marine and coastal environments. The case offers protection and organization for your smartphone, chargers, cables, earbuds and other essentials for the tech-savvy student.
Price: $29.95 (on sale)
Logitech K380 Bluetooth KeyboardStudents will love this multi-functional and simple Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for use with computers, tablets, laptops or phones. It gives them another typing option on the go with a light, stylish frame that offers different cool color options. Weighing just 423 grams, the keyboard is just 16mm thick and offers Bluetooth connectivity. Software options are included for Windows and Mac users alike.
Price: $33.99 (on sale)
MacBook Air M1This is a bit of a spurge for a student, but the MacBook Air M1 (2020) offers a lot of power along with excellent portability. The MacBook Air M2 just came out, so these M1 units can be had for a bit of a deal now through various resellers. We think the cost savings on this model make it cool enough for our list. With its powerful ARM-based M1 silicon, the MacBook Air's CPU offers 8-core performance while just sipping on battery life. For graphics, the GPU offers 7-cores, delivering more than enough integrated graphics processing for any student.
Price: $850-$999 at various retailers
Lenovo Chromebook DuetThe Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1 is a great lightweight Chromebook/Tablet hybrid that will give your student plenty of portability to work just about anywhere. With a standing screen display size of 10.1 inches, the Duet delivers 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution. Powered with an ARM-based chip, the light unknit gives you 4GB of RAM, 128 GB SSD with plenty of connectivity options.
Price: $226 and up at various resellers
Beats Studio BudsWith near constant device connectivity, it's important to consider the quality of earbud sound and Beats Studio Buds bring high quality and style kids seek out. With six color options, these buds support spatial audio for an immersive experience, active noise canceling, up to 8 hours of listening time, and are compatible with Android and Apple devices. These buds feature simple one-touch pairing for ease of use, (students already have enough on their minds without worrying about complicated controls).
Price: $119.99 (on sale)
Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm ClockWe could all use a bit of extra sunlight in our lives and the Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock will start your student's day out right. Targeted towards kids and heavy sleepers, the device features sunrise simulation, dual alarms, FM radio, snooze, nightlight, daylight, seven natural sounds and seven colors. The cool factor increases with sunrise simulation that gradually increases brightness from 10 percent to 100 percent for a more natural waking experience.
Price: $39.98
Backbone One Mobile Gaming ControllerMaybe you'd rather your student focus on studies, but we had to throw them a bone with the Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller that turns their smartphone into a proper portable gaming machine. The Backbone One lets mobile phone users enjoy their favorite mobile, console, or PC games from anywhere. The snap-on unit works with iPhone or Android units and does not require charging. Backbone bills the devices as the lowest power and lowest latency gaming device to ever work with iPhone.
Price: $99.99
Fitbit Ace 3Parents concerned about their younger kids' fitness get a great option with the Fitbit Ace 3 fitness tracker. Ace 3 offers up to 8-day battery life with three fun colorways for kids ages 6 and up. The device offers parental controls, Fitbit App Kid View, customization, notifications, wireless sync, and is water resistant up to 50m. The Ace 3 works with more than 200 Android and iOS devices.
Price: $59.95 (on sale)
Apple AirTag (four-pack)Does your student have a knack for losing things? Help them keep track of those important items with Apple's AirTag technology. The small devices are an easy way to keep track of keys, backpacks, bikes … just about anything you can imagine. Sync up with Apple's handy Find My app to keep track of some of those great back-to-school finds.
Price: $99.99
Q Timex Reissue Digital WatchBack before the days of smartphones and wearables with endless features, Gen X had the smartest timepieces available at the time: Digital watches. Now you can slip back into the past and maybe disconnect for a bit of old-fashioned tech fun. While not as advanced as an Apple Watch, the Q Timex still delivers some fun features, including a chronograph function, customizable alarm, and countdown timer. Oh, and it also tells the time of day!
Price: $149
Anker 313 Wireless ChargerCharging solutions are important for everyone – but a connected student must stay charged at all times. The Anker 313 Wireless Charger offers convenient and efficient wireless charging with 10W high-speed charging for Samsung Galaxy and 5W charging for iPhones (which is 10 percent faster than other wireless chargers). The solution is case-friendly, so don't worry about needless fiddling to get a charge. The unit is compatible with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Samsung Note devices.
Price: $19.99
Kindle Paperwhite Signature EditionWhile tablets offer a decent reading experience, the Kindle Paperwhite offers the closest eye-friendly experience to reading a book in good light. The Paperwhite Signature Edition offers a 6.8" display, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting front light. With 32GB of storage, there's plenty of room for your favorite titles. The flush-mount design with 300 ppi glare-free display reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. You can even use the Paperwhite as an audio reader by pairing with your Audible subscription and Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Price: $149.99
Nintendo Switch LiteWe needed to give the kids another break with the Nintendo Switch Lite, a great portable gaming system that's suitable for all ages. Coming in five colors, the Switch Lite is meant to be an entry-level option without some of the bells and whistles of the Switch. But the Lite still packs plenty of gaming power with multiplayer gaming options, local wireless and online play. With more than 5,000 Switch games currently available, your student will have plenty of options for that scarce down time.
Price: $199.99
Lenovo Smart Clock EssentialThe alarm clock is the tech that starts your day, so make sure to start your day with a versitle device like the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential. Talk to Google to ask questions, play music, control smart home devices and more. The device features a built-in nightlight, timer, speaker, and microphones. The device has the added convenience of a USB charging port.
Price: $49.99
Roku Streaming Stick 4KWe take for granted that our many of our newer smart TVs feature their own apps for streaming content. With the Roku Streaming stick, your student can turn any TV with a USB port into a smart TV with Roku's user-friendly interface. The Roku is compatible with 4K video, HDR and Dolby Vision and features Roku Voice Remote and TV controls.
Price: $46.99
iSwift 6-in-1 Portable DeskYou'll love the clever versatility of iSwift's 6-in-1 Portable Desk that can be folded to allow for seated use or as a stand (in four positions) for a better viewing angle. We've all learned to make our new work environments (whether at home or in the office) a more comfortable experience. Students deserve that same flexibility. The iSwift is constructed with fiberglass and premium PU and weighs 2.5 pounds.
Price: $89.99
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream MakerFor all that hard work in the classroom, your student could use a cool reward. With the Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, you can create your own flavors and top however you like – all without a trip to the local ice cream parlor or grocery store. Keep it at home for treat time for the whole family, or pack it up for your college student's dorm. The machine features seven one-touch programs, offers control and customization, and also makes gelato.
Price: $229.99
5 Changes In The New M4 IPad Pro You Might Not Know
1. There's no Ultra-wide CameraJust like the 2022 Ipad Pro, the latest 2024 iPad Pro boasts a 12MP f/1.8 primary camera. However, it lacks the 10MP ultra-wide camera available on the previous iPad Pro M2. This might come as a big surprise, but yes, the M4 iPad Pro has a single-lens rear camera rather than a dual-lens system.
You get a LiDAR, an adaptive True Tone flash, and a digital zoom up to 5x. That said, removing the 10MP ultrawide lens is a big and surprising move by Apple. After all, we're talking about the company's top-end iPad Pro model. It's likely that the ultrawide lens wasn't utilized much by iPad users. Apple might have thought that most people wouldn't even notice that the ultrawide camera is missing on the 2024 iPad Pro. Whatever the reason (or excuse), it feels like a downgrade on the top-of-the-line iPad.
If you're planning to buy a new iPad for photography, it's a nice idea to consider the 2022 iPad Pro. Also, if you already own one, you can brag about your tablet being better than the latest offering, at least in the camera department.
2. Top Storage Variants Have More RAM and Extra CPU CoreApple launched all the variants of the 2024 iPad Pro with an insanely-capable M4 chipset. Now, it doesn't mean all the OLED iPad Pros are created equal. Not every Pro is designed to unleash the full potential of the M4 chipset. The best, cutting-edge experience is reserved for those who opt for a 1TB or 2TB storage variant.
The 256GB and 512GB M4 iPad Pro models feature a 9-core CPU version of the M4 chip, with 6 efficiency and 3 performance cores. Whereas, the 1TB and 2TB models come with an extra, high-performance core of the M4 chip. This brings up to ten cores in total to the 1TB and 2TB models, compared to 9 cores on the lower storage models.
That's not all. The 1TB and 2TB models offer 16GB RAM, which is twice the 8GB RAM in the other two models. If you wish to experience a top-notch performance as Apple advertised during its event, make sure to get the 1TB or 2TB model of the new iPad Pro. Boasting a starting price of $1,599 and $1,999, these upgrades are pretty expensive too. Also, if you plan to go for nano-texture glass coating on the M4 iPad Pro, you'll have to pay an additional $100. If you're a pro user, it's all worth it.
3. No Physical SIM optionThe previous M2 iPad Pro has a non-SIM and an eSIM option. With the OLED iPad Pro, only eSIM is your option. Well, this isn't a problem; many of you would surely agree here. This is one of the changes the giant had to make to come up with the thinnest iPad ever.
In some countries, Apple already removed the physical SIM trays from iPhones. It's the first time Apple has done the same with its iPad models, so it's worth being aware of. If you're planning to go for a Cellular version of the new iPad Pro or even the M2 iPad Air, make sure to convert your physical SIM into an eSIM. If your network carrier doesn't support an eSIM, you have to make a switch to enjoy cellular data on your iPad.
4. No Adpater in EU and UKWith the launch of the iPhone 12 in 2020, Apple stopped shipping adapters in the iPhone boxes. Many people assumed that's the case with iPads too. Well, it wasn't, until now. With the new 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models, Apple won't provide an adapter in the EU and UK. All you would get is a USB-C cable. You can use an existing adapter if you've got one, otherwise, you'll have to buy one separately. And mind it, there are no Apple logo stickers in the box with the new iPad Pro. This might dishearten nerds who like to show off their Apple stickers on their gadgets and other stuff.
5. Supports Lower refresh Rate, Not Always-on DisplayApple has finally embraced the OLED technology on its iPad lineup. Unarguably, the Tandem OLED display on the new iPad Pro comes as a massive upgrade over the LED & mini-LED displays found on the previous models. Also, the new display has a ProMotion technology that allows for adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz. Yes, the OLED iPad Pro supports a lower refresh rate of 10Hz, compared to the 24Hz on the previous Pros.
Unfortunately, the OLED iPad Pro doesn't have an Always-on display. The lowest 10Hz refresh rate isn't low enough to support an always-on display. Likely, the 10Hz refresh rate would cause more battery drain as compared to the 1Hz refresh rate. It's sad that even with the introduction of the stunning Ultra Retina XDR OLED Display, the Always-on display remains exclusive to Apple Watch and iPhones.
I personally don't fancy using an Always-on display on my iPhone 14 Pro. I find it distracting. It makes me feel some notifications or phone calls are always waiting for me. Well, you can't blame me. Apple has made me this way. Anyways, an Always-on display would make a nice addition to the iPad Pro's large display. Well, we might get to see this next year, maybe.
BonusApple shows creativity, whenever and wherever it can. This is what Apple designers have done with the default wallpaper on the new iPad Pro. The design may seem to be a random splash of colors on a black background. But, that's not all of it. The wallpaper has an optical illusion that spells an important word- "PRO". I'm sure Apple superfans with keen vision would have spotted the optical illusion.
Well, this isn't the first time that Apple has come up with such creativity. It always tries to please its fans with some secret messages.
Did you like the new M4 iPad Pro? Don't forget to express your views in the comments below.
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