Dress it up with eight of the hottest wearable technology in 2014

Instead of swerving into sci-fi world with alien-looking gadgets, technology is (wisely) heading towards a subtler combination of functionality and fashion. Check out the latest gadgets that you can slip on for a progressive, fashion-forward head-to-toe look.

1. Nail Watch

Keep time on your thumbnail with TX54's newest concept, the nail watch.

Designed by TX54, which came in second in a global design competition organised by international watch brand Timex, this disposable timepiece can be worn on the user's thumbnail as a timekeeping device and a fashion accessory.

The device is transluscent with a selection of text colour options and a glow feature that activates on command. It blends in with the nail almost like nail polish, except that it has a cool user interface and a functional, minimalist edge to it.

Although the device does not contain as many functions as other smartwatches in the market, its disposability indicates lower prices for anyone who desires fashionable technology that is still affordable.

2. Google Glass

The Google glass is effectively a wearable computer allowing users to see and interact using voice commands.

Google Glass is possibly one of the hottest devices in the market used by anyone, ranging from the savvy nerd to British surgeons, as it allows users to basically wear a computer on their heads.

With an optical head-mounted display and voice activation, users are able to see and interact with it hands-free. Users are able to take a picture, record a video on the 4GB flash memory on the device simply by voice command. There is also a touchpad on the right side allowing users to swipe and access different features. The potential of the gadget is almost limitless, with many new possibilities of usage popping up every day.

It was released to the public last month at US$1,500 (S$1,873).

3. Sony SmartBand

The Sony Smartband has a removable tracker that monitors your fitness and acts as a leash for your smartphone.

This fitness tracker in a soft silicone casing records your physical, social and entertainment activities, from the number of steps taken to monitoring your sleep cycle. It must also be paired with a smartphone (any device running Andoid KitKit 4.4) via Near Field Communication (NFC) technology or Bluetooth. Sony's Lifelog app allows you to control music, track your movements and be notified when you get a call, text or email through its vibrations.

The Core (the battery and brain of the band) is waterproof, easily removable, and comes with an open micro-USB port. It also acts as a leash for your smartphone by buzzing whenever you are too far away from your smartphone.

It is available at Sony stores and online for US$99.99 (S$125) and comes in a range of vibrant colours.

4. The D-shirt

Made with smart-sensing fabric, the D-shirt tracks your fitness while still being lightweight and washable.

Made from a special smart-sensing fabric woven with micro-sensors, the D-shirt records your heart rate, GPS, location, route, speed and altitude. It sends information to an app on your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to record your progress during a run and view a summary of your performance at the end.

Product developers also say that it can notify the runner when he or she is pushing too hard and risking a heart attack. The garment is lightweight, no heavier than a normal shirt, and can be washed and ironed.

It is invented by French company Cityzens Sciences, which is currently in talks with British retailers to release the product later this year.

5. Pebble Steel watch

The Pebble Steel smartwatch is made with leather and metal, giving it a stylish designer look.

The latest Pebble smartwatch is decked in metal and leather like a real, stylish watch, as opposed to its plastic predecessor. It is paired with iPhone or Android phones via Bluetooth, and has a killer five to seven day battery life. It takes information from your phone and displays it on your wrist, providing quick notifications.

The Pebble 2.0 software also has an app store containing apps that allow you to control your music, find nearby places to eat and receive Google Maps turn-by-turn alerts.

With a stainless steel frame and black leather to match, it looks like any slick designer watch in the market, but with a much cooler functionality.

6. Rusty's Wired series

The Rusty series of hoodies feature in-built earphones for a wireless music-listening experience

Rusty's new series of sports hoodies solves the frustrating problems of tangled earphones. The garment features HB3 technology and comes with earphones that double as the elastic strings of the hood, and a jack in the side pocket to insert your music device.

The hoodie is machine washable as the earphones are waterproof.

Rusty has an array of clothing for men and women at various prices.

7. The Dash headphones

The Dash headphone is completely wireless and sits subtly in your ear

Another way of solving the tangled headphone problem is to do away with wires altogether. The Dash consists of a pair of discrete and wireless stereo earphones that sit precisely in your ear and plays music via a Bluetooth connection or an embedded 4GB music player. Furthermore, it can measure your heart rate, body vitals, speed, number of steps taken and calories burned, and more. And it can even function without an attached smartphone.

8. Apple iWatch

Several design concepts of Apple's iWatch such as these have surfaced. The iWatch is expected to be released later this year.

The rumoured iWatch by Apple has reportedly gone into production and contains processor, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) and flash memory. Apple's chief executive officer Tim Cook has yet to release any information on whether Apple will release a wearable device of any kind, but his statements have touched on an exciting "new category" of products the company plans to release later this year.

It is predicted to have a 2.5 inch display and will be slightly rectangular in shape. It will also have a touch screen and will charge wirelessly.

This article was first published on June 20, 2014.
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