Internet of Things

IoT Wearables Get More Useful in 2024

February 24, 2024

IoT Wearables Get More Useful in 2024

Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of internet-connected devices that collect and share data. This includes everything from smartphones to appliances to wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. In 2024, IoT wearables are poised to become even more useful and prevalent in our daily lives. Here is an in-depth look at how IoT wearables will continue to evolve and improve over the next few years.

Expanded Capabilities

In 2024, IoT wearables will offer expanded capabilities compared to earlier generations of devices. Here are some of the key improvements we can expect:

Enhanced Health Tracking

IoT wearables in 2024 will provide even more sophisticated health tracking features. This includes more accurate heart rate and sleep monitoring, as well as the ability to detect additional biometrics like blood oxygen levels.
They may also be capable of diagnosing some medical conditions by analyzing biometrics and symptoms. This could allow earlier detection of illnesses like influenza or Covid.

Better Environmental Monitoring

Future IoT wearables will monitor more environmental factors that impact health. This includes tracking air quality, UV exposure, pollen levels, and other external risks.
They may also provide personalized warnings or recommendations based on your environmental exposure. For example, prompting you to apply sunscreen based on UV levels.

Expanded Fitness Tracking

Fitness tracking will become more advanced and customizable. Expect more granular tracking of activities with metrics like pace, distance, ** repetitions, and weight lifted**.
IoT wearables will also support monitoring a wider range of activities like swimming, rowing, skiing, and more.

Contextual Recommendations

Using data like your activity levels, biometrics, and location, IoT wearables will provide personalized and timely recommendations.
For example, suggesting you hydrate or take a walk break based on exertion levels and weather conditions. Recommendations will become more predictive and useful.

Enhanced Hardware

In addition to software improvements, the hardware capabilities of IoT wearables will also improve:

Display technology will provide brighter, higher resolution screens while using less energy. This allows for richer apps and visualizations.
Batteries will see major gains, allowing for weeks or even months of use without charging. New materials like graphene will enable this.
Devices will become smaller and sleeker. Curved or flexible displays will lead to more ergonomic designs.
Durability will improve with the use of new materials like liquid metal alloys. Future IoT wearables will be nearly indestructible.
Sensors will become more accurate and sensitive. This allows for detection of more biometrics and environmental factors.

Expanded Applications

With their enhanced capabilities, IoT wearables will find uses in many new applications:

Healthcare and Telemedicine

Doctors will remotely monitor patients using data from IoT wearable medical devices. This allows for earlier interventions and reduced hospital visits.
Elderly patients will use IoT wearables to manage chronic conditions and remain independent longer. Caregivers can also monitor their status.
IoT wearables will integrate with electronic health records and insurance systems for continuous patient monitoring.

Enterprise and Industry

Companies will equip employees with IoT wearables for safety monitoring. Sensors can detect hazardous conditions, prompting evacuation or shutdown.
IoT wearables will assist with hands-free inspections, inventory management, and other tasks via voice control and augmented reality.
First responders and military will use ruggedized IoT wearables with thermal vision, gas detection, and other sensors built-in.

Personal Safety

Next-generation IoT wearables will be capable of detecting falls, collisions, or accidents then automatically contacting emergency services.
With built-in GPS tracking, IoT wearables will also help locate missing persons or lost children.
Some future IoT wearables may even deploy defensive measures during assaults, like stun guns, blinding lights, or sound deterrents.

Concerns Around Data and Security

While promising, expanded IoT wearables also raise potential concerns:

Highly sensitive medical and biometrics data will require robust cybersecurity measures to prevent hacking and misuse. Rigorous de-identification of data will be critical.
Consumers may object to the deep health insights and surveillance capabilities of advanced IoT wearables, requiring clear opt-in consent.
As capabilities grow, there is potential for unethical use cases like insurance denial, employee monitoring, and restriction of individual liberties. Regulations will need to keep pace.
There are risks of algorithmic bias in software recommendations or medical diagnoses provided by IoT wearables. Ongoing auditing for fairness and accuracy will be important.

The Future Looks Promising

While risks exist, the potential benefits seem to outweigh concerns. IoT wearables in 2024 look set to deliver transformative health insights, life-saving notifications, and ubiquitous conveniences. With thoughtful implementation, they can greatly enhance medicine, businesses, and daily life. The future looks promising as these devices evolve to become helpful personal companions.