Since CES 2017 wrapped up this weekend, we’ve been following up on earlier predictions re: major trends this year. In case you missed it, we already put out this feature looking at smart glasses. Today’s post will focus on the smart jewellery category.
As technology moves closer to the skin, we want our wearables to look less like gadgets and more like the watches and accessories we’re used to. At CES 2017, we had our eyes on a number of companies blending form and function to offer products that are both technologically interesting and aesthetically pleasing. Here’s what we were watching:
Wisewear
Regular readers of Electric Runway will know we’ve been a fan of Wisewear from the getgo. We covered the luxury smart bracelet’s unveiling at CES last year, helped announce their placement in Saks Fifth Avenue, included them in our ready-to-wear fashion tech showcase, and have even been testing the product at home. So it should come as no surprise that we’re continuing to champion the brand as they shine on: This year at CES, Wisewear revealed new collections crafted in partnership with legendary design icon Iris Apfel. Here’s an up-close look at some of the designs.
Misfit Phase 2
Last year at CES, Misfit has just been freshly acquired by Fossil, and we knew that meant a smartwatch would certainly follow. At CES 2017, they were showing off just that—the Misfit Phase. This analog-meets-digital smartwatch is now available in the US, UK, and Australia and retails for $179.95.
Monster Elements Airlinks
A company we didn’t expect to see in this category was Monster. Better known for their power solutions, the company released a pair of blinged-out in-ear headphones. After the release of products like Tinsel‘s necklace-earbud hybrid and Will.i.am’s Buttons, we’re noticing headphones are becoming more and more of a style statement.
Jewelry merges with wireless headphones in @monsterproducts Elements Airlinks #CES2017
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Motiv
Motiv released its smart ring (called the Motiv Ring). This tiny wearable tracks activity and sleep patterns and comes in slate grey and rose gold, and will ship in spring of 2017 for $199 USD. We can’t wait to get our hands on one to try it for ourselves. What we’re looking forward to: three-day battery life, and a sleek-looking app.
Keeping our eye on @motiv at #CES2017- a fitness & sleep tracker you can take with you everywhere ?
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HBRing
Perhaps our favourite wearable in the smart jewelry category was a pair of rings from The Touch. Positioned as an alternative to wedding rings, their #HBRing allows you to feel the heartbeat of your partner in real-time from anywhere in the world. The rings sell for between $3,000-$6,000 and are already sold out of pre-orders. So many wearables on the market are about individual goals and the Quantified Self, so it’s nice to see a smart ring that’s all about human connection and communication.
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Finally, while it may not be the most beautiful “medallion” we’ve ever seen, the Ocean Medallion made our list of products to watch because it’s a product aiming to change the hospitality game. This wearable is meant to be your point of access to your cruise experience. Released by Carival Corp, owners of Princess Cruises, this wristband will help you find your way around the ship, order food, and engage in on-board games throughout your experience. While it’s not ground-breaking technology (we’ve already seen Disney invest millions in the wearable tech space with their “magical wristband”) it’s interesting so see smaller companies in the hospitality sector realise the potential of wearables for impriving the guest experience.
This #wearable debuting at #CES2017 wants to change the hospitality game and is launching with @princesscruises. The #OceanMedallion’s features include wayfinding, food and beverage on demand, and interactive gaming & entertainment.
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What were you watching for in terms of smart jewelry at #CES2017? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter and Instagram.
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