Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

5 wearables that are actually improving our health

They may have begun as glorified watches for the wealthy, but wearables have come a long way since then. From children’s health to women’s safety, wearable technology now covers a broad spectrum of uses, and it would seem that we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these devices’ true potential. Easy to use, fun, and sometimes even fashion forward, it’s no wonder that wearables have become the next big thing in Silicon Valley and beyond. And while we are always excited about what’s yet to come, here’s a look back at some of the most useful devices to date.

UpRight posture trainer ($130)

UpRight-posture-trainer

Americans are working longer hours than ever, and even though we’ve invented a myriad of standing and sitting desks, our posture could still stand for improvement. Enter UpRight, a wearable that trains you to sit and stand upright. The device attaches to your back and syncs to your phone via Bluetooth, providing you with real-time feedback on your posture progress. Because UpRight vibrates every time you slouch, it constantly reminds you to stand or sit up straight, potentially lessening lower back pain and other related issues.

Related Videos

Uright

AngelSense GPS ($60 startup + $40 monthly fee)

AngelSense

Self-described as “the only GPS & Voice-Monitoring solution designed exclusively for children with special needs,” AngelSense comes fully loaded with a number of tools designed to help parents stay in the know in regards to the whereabouts of their children. With a diary schedule, missing child alert, text alerts, and smart search — which tracks your child in case of an emergency — parents can rest a little easier knowing that their children are always under some form of surveillance. The removable wearable attaches to clothing with a special lock, too, and is proven to save lives.

AngelSense

OrCam ($3,500)

OrCam

For those who are visually impaired, OrCam is a game changer. Small, inconspicuous, and highly useful, this wearable attaches to a pair of glasses and proceeds to recognize and read text, products, and prices to the wearer through an earpiece. Simply point to what you want read and discover what you might not have seen otherwise. From reading books to shopping in stores, OrCam helps those with vision loss regain their independence.

OrCam

MyMDband ($65 startup + $65 annual fee)

MyMDband

For the longest time, LifeAlert and its infamous tagline have been the only available technology for senior citizens. However, with MyMDband, even the least tech-savvy individuals can own a high-tech solution in case of medical emergencies. Featuring a small, laser-engraved QR code that features an individual’s relevant medical history, the band allows health professionals to scan and quickly access any necessary and potentially life-saving information. And because MyMDBand automatically alerts emergency contacts to the wearer’s location when the QR code is scanned, you’re notified immediately if grandma or grandpa needs help.

MyMDband

Re-Step Rehabilitation System

Re-Step-Rehabilitation-System

We already have smart clothes, so why not smart shoes, as well? Re-Step, designed to rehabilitate those with walking disorders or other injuries, is a special pair of shoes whose sole height and angles change in a specific given order, facilitating motor learning in the process. By measuring gait and sending data and treatment offerings to connected devices, patients and caregivers can track progress and help make real-time adjustments. And because these shoes can be worn at home or at a rehab facility, getting back on your feet is now easier than ever.

Re-Step

Editors' Recommendations

Fitbit Charge 5 leaks show off a sleek fitness wearable
The Fitbit Charge 5 leaks in black and blue.

Fitbit is reportedly working on a new Fitbit Charge 5, and new renders surfacing this week give a good look at what we can expect. The report comes from leaker Snoopy on Twitter, and it features an attached video showing off the promotional material for the successor to the Charge 4.

According to the report, the upcoming 5 Charge 5 will cost $179, a $40 boost justified by a few quality-of-life changes. These could include swapping out the monochrome screen for a full-color one and adding in new sensors. Based on the video, sensors include built-in GPS, an EDA for stress-tracking management, an electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart tracking, an optical heart rate sensor, and an SpO2 sensor for tracking your blood oxygenation.  The biggest takeaway from the renders is a redesign of the previous model. The old design featuring sharp angles gives way to what appears to be a smooth, softer overall design with rounder corners. It could also come in different colors: Black, silver, and gold.

Read more
Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Apple Watch SE: Can Fitbit outrun Apple?
Fitbit Versa 3 on a wrist.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is arguably the best fitness-tracking smartwatch out today, particularly if you have less than $300 to spend. At only $230, it's highly comfortable and easy to use, while its tracking features are comprehensive for its price, covering heart rate and blood-oxygen sensors, the ability to monitor skin temperature, and built-in GPS. However, as good as it is, it isn't the only low-cost and high-functioning smartwatch. Another contender is the Apple Watch SE, which, despite being priced at around $300, does pretty much everything the more expensive Apple Watch Series 6 does, even throwing in a timer to ensure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Both devices have their strengths, but which is the best? We pit them against each other in a head-to-head comparison to find out. By looking at their specs, designs, displays, health and fitness tracking features, batteries, and special features, we also help you decide which is the right one for you.
Specs

Read more
TCL’s wearable display puts a 140-inch screen right in front of your eyes
tcl nxt wear g wearable display news nxtwear face

Modern phone screens can look amazing, but there’s no getting away from the fact they’re usually quite small, especially for comfortably watching a lengthy video. TCL Communications has the answer with the TCL NXTWear G, a wearable display that puts a 140-inch equivalent screen right in front of your eyes.

The NXTWear G have a sunglass-like design, and are fairly lightweight at about 100 grams, so wearing them for the duration of the average movie shouldn’t be a problem. You stare at dual Sony OLED screens each with a Full HD resolution, which gives the impression of looking at a 140-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio screen. TCL says the NXTWear G will show both 3D and 4K resolution video, and because the glasses understand the position of your body, you can watch standing up, sitting down, or laying down and the screen will always stay in front of your eyes.

Read more