Would YOU wear these gadgets? Wearable tech is set to be 2014’s biggest trend (but it looks anything but cool)

Would YOU wear these gadgets? Wearable tech is set to be 2014’s biggest trend (but it looks anything but cool) 

• The theme of this year’s Consumer Electronics show was wearable tech
• This ranged from smart glasses to watches, socks and even jewellery
• Recent poll found 72% of people would only buy the tech if it looked good
• While 67% said the devices would need to fit with their personal style

As usual, where Google leads others follow. 
Critics initially scoffed when the tech giant announced Google Glass but if this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is anything to go by, 2014 is set to the be the year everyone jumps on the wearable tech bandwagon. 
Yet a recent survey from wireless tech experts CSR found 72 per cent of people would only buy wearables if the devices look good, while 67 per cent admitted the gadgets need to they fit with their personal style.
And judging from the range of devices unveiled during CES, some companies have managed this, while others have a long way to go. 
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If this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas is anything to go by, 2014 will be the year everyone jumps on the wearable tech bandwagon. Companies showcasing smart glass devices included Epson with its Moverio BT-100 and BT-200 used for watching 3D films and playing games

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The rise in wearable tech is being attributed to the excitement Google Glass generated, pictured, whe it was announced in 2012

SMART GLASSES
Google Glass was seen as a revolution when it launched in 2012 and strongly divided opinion.
People, dubbed Glass Explorers, who have managed to get their hands on the $1000 (£600) gadget have even been called 'Glassholes', because of how they look when wearing the gadget.

At this year's CES a number of companies showcased smart glass alternatives, hoping to tap into the market which research firm ABI predicts will reach $6billion by 2018. 
The first was New York-based Vuzix with its M100 Smart Glasses. A prototype version was first seen at last year's Vegas event but the firm has now made them commercially available.
The M100 runs Android and the unit and display  fit over the wearer's right ear and eye. It records and can playback video, take photos, tracked timed events and link to a calendar.
Yet instead of consumers, Vuzix is targeting industries, claiming the device is 'well suited for a variety of industrial, medical, retail and prosumer applications.' The device costs $999 (£600).
Elsewhere, Epson showcased its 2011 Moverio BT-100 smart glasses, as well as a more streamlined pair, called Moverio BT-200.
Rather than being streamlined like Google's Glass, or discreet like Vuzix's, Epson's Moverio BT-100 is a clunky-looking, large black visor designed more as a virtual reality headset and viewing glasses for films and games.  

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Epson's new Moverio BT-200 glasses, pictured, have been redesigned to be 60 per cent thinner than the previous model. The BT-200 comes with a touchpad running Android 4.0 with Bluetooth and an SDHC card slot for up to 32GB of storage. The pair is set to go on sale in March for $699 (£423)

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New York-based Vuzix prototype M100 Smart Glasses, pictured, were first seen at last year's Vegas event but the firm has now made them commercially available. Vuzix is targeting the device at the medical and retail industries and the device costs $999 (£600)

The display can be modified, to make the glasses see-through, and the Wi-Fi enabled device is controlled by a handheld remote control. The gadget costs $699 (£424).
While the company's latest Moverio BT-200 glasses have been redesigned to be 60 per cent thinner than the previous model.
The BT-200 comes with a touchpad running Android 4.0 with Bluetooth and an SDHC card slot for up to 32GB of storage. The pair of glasses has built-in Wi-Fi and the BT-200 is set to go on sale in March for $699 (£423).
SMARTWATCHES
Moving on to smartwatches, Samsung may have seemingly rushed through the release of its Galaxy Gear watch at the end of last year to beat rival Apple to the punch, but the device was heavily criticised because of its large design.
A number of smartwatches were displayed at CES this year, and some learnt from Samsung's mistakes, while others didn't.
For example, watchmaker Burg unveiled its range of smartwatches including the Burg 12, also known as London, Burg 14 called Seoul, and Burg 18, known as Moscow.

Watchmaker Burg Limited unveiled its own range of smartwatches at the Vegas event, advert pictured left.  There are seven watches in the range and each have varying levels of smart features. The most advanced model is the Burg 17 Amsterdam, right. It runs Android 4.0, has a 1.5-inch screen and 2MP camera

There are seven watches in total in the Burg range and each have varying levels of smart features., and designs.
The most advanced model is the Burg 17 Amsterdam model. It runs Android 4.0, has a 1.5-inch screen microSD slot, GPS, 2MP camera and can be used to read messages, make phone calls.

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Samsung seemingly rushed through the release of its Galaxy Gear watch, pictured, to beat rival Apple to the punch. Yet the device was heavily criticised because of its large design

Although the models vary in size, the more advanced models look large and cumbersome, whereas the smaller, more elegant models lack many of the smart features.
Prices range from $149 (£90) to $399 (£242) - all cheaper than Samsung's £250 device.
Another company that sacrificed the full smart capabilities in place of a sleeker design was Cogito with its Pop watch. It looks like a traditional watch, and comes in a range of colours including pink, blue, grey and black.
Instead of a touchscreen, the Cogito works in a similar way to the Pebble; it syncs wirelessly to Android and iOS watches and only shows notifications using discreet icons.
For example, a text message icon is pictured on the clockface between 10 and 11, while the email icon is between 11 and 12 and social network message notifications flash up between 12 and 1. As a result, this lack of features drops the price to $129 (£78).
Speaking of California firm Pebble, the company similarly unveiled a new version of its smartwatch at CES, dubbed Pebble Steel.
As its name suggests, the watch is made of steel and is also waterproof. It shows notifications from an Android or iOS device and comes with pre-installed apps. The new device can be pre-ordered for $249 (£151).
At the other end of the scale, the biggest smartwatch announced at CES was the Neptune Pine. It has a 2.4-inch touchscreen - almost an inch bigger than Samsung's 1.6-inch display -  runs Android 4.3 and will cost between $335 (£203) and $395 (£293) when it goes on sale in the U.S. in March. 

Wearable technology takes center stage at CES

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY?

Adrian Moxley, CMO and co-founder at visual classification company WeSEE said: ‘While wearables offer a great opportunity to reach a large cross-section of early adopters and on-the-go consumers, brands must be consider consumer concerns regarding the amount of personal data being collected on them. 
‘With many individuals fearing a ‘Big Brother’ style future, successful brands will be those that mine data and show consumers that they are doing so to provide superior user experiences.'
Ben Wood, CSS Insight’s chief of research, said: ‘The $100 million invested in wearables through crowd-funded efforts such as Kickstarter proves this is a category with explosive growth potential.
‘While this approach will undoubtedly produce some stars, many wearable devices will have their five minutes of fame at shows like CES before disappearing into oblivion.'
‘Many of the wearable technology devices hitting the shelves today offer great features but don’t take into consideration that consumers want beautiful, cutting-edge devices that complement their personal style,’ said Paul Williamson, director of low power wireless at CSR. 
‘If wearable technology is to reach its potential it needs to appeal to more than just technology lovers. Devices like these connected pendants will help wearable tech go mass market.’

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The biggest smartwatch announced at CES was the Neptune Pine, pictured. It has a 2.4-inch touchscreen - almost an inch bigger than Samsung's 1.6-inch display - runs Android 4.3 and will cost between $335 (£203) and $395 (£293) when goes on sale in the U.S. in March

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The Cogito Pop watch, pictured, looks like a traditional watch, and comes in a range of colours. Instead of a touchscreen, the Cogito syncs wirelessly to Android and iOS watches and only shows notifications using discreet icons, pictured highlighted

An added benefit of the Pine, however, is that the screen can be removed and attached to wrist or headband to be used as a portable, wearable camera.
Sony announced an updated version of its own sports camera at CES, called the HDR-AS100V Action Cam. 
The new camera has added full HD image capture to its video recording mode as well as 24p, high-speed shooting modes. The body is 'splash-proof' and Sony is also selling a waterproof case.

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Sony announced an updated version of its sports camera at CES, called the HDR-AS100V Action Cam. Users can now control up to five units via a wearable band, pictured

In addition, users can now wirelessly control up to five Action Cam AS100V units via a wearable wristwatch Live-View Remote. The camera will go in sale in the UK in March for £349.
CAMERAS
This rise in wearable cameras was fuelled by the popularity of the GoPro range, which start at £185.
Onto the more obscure wearable items, CSR unveiled a Bluetooth necklace at the event that connects to Android and iOS devices. It alerts the wearer to notifications using a colour-changing LED fitted inside the pendant.
The device is just a prototype at the moment and CSR has not announced when the product will go on sale.
Elsewhere, Heapsylon's Sensoria smart socks are made with conductive threads that act as sensors, producing a current when pressure is exerted on them.
They pick up pressure points in three areas of the foot - around the big toe, the little toe and the heel.
The data is then picked up by the ankle bracelet, collated with outside conditions such as temperature, altitude and terrain, and then beamed via Bluetooth to a smart phone.
Then a 'virtual coach' app analyses the information and can tell the user what they are doing wrong and help improve technique in any task involving the feet.
AND IT'S NOT JUST HUMANS WEARING TECH...
And its not just humans that can take advantage of this growing trend. A smart collar for dogs that measures a canine's heart and respiratory rates as well as counting calories was also shown off at CES.

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Among the devices ushering in a new era of fitness trackers include Sony's SmartBand and Core, shown here being unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas by Sony's executive vice president, Kunimasa Suzuki. It tracks physical activity as well as the wearer's mood through a smartphone app

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The LG Lifeband Touch, left, works with Android and iOS phones as well as heart rate monitors and is compatible with a fitness apps including LG’s own tracker, Runkeeper, and MyFitnessPal. While the LG Heart Rate Earphones track heart rate and oxygen consumption using slight changes in blood levels around the ear

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CSR unveiled a Bluetooth necklace at the event. It alerts the wearer to notifications using a colour-changing LED, pictured

Called Voyce, it claims to let owners know what their dog is trying to tell them when it comes to health, including if they are getting enough exercise.
The device, which is like a FitBot for dogs, uses special algorithms to provide owners with trends about their dog’s health and fitness, which they can view using an app and is set to go on sale later this year for $299 (£181).
FITNESS GADGETS
However, the most prevalent wearable devices at the show were fitness trackers. Sony, LG and Casio were among the big names unveiling new gadgets, yet devices from smaller companies including Notch, Razer, Tinke and Wao were also on display. 
Sony's foray into the world of fitness trackers includes its waterproof SmartBand that can be linked to Android phones and tablets via the Lifelog app.
The band tracks physical activity, including calories burned, distance and what type of activity the wearer was doing, such as walking, cycling or driving.

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Elsewhere, Heapsylon's Sensoria smart socks, pictured, are made with conductive threads that act as sensors, producing a current when pressure is exerted on them. They pick up pressure points in three areas of the foot - around the big toe, the little toe and the heel

It is powered by the new Sony Core that can additionally track a wearer's moods and emotions - although the firm did not explain how it would do this, or what data it would collect.
The SmartBand and Core additionally monitor photos shared online, as well as conversations with friends.
While LG's Lifeband Touch works with Android and iOS phones, as well as heart rate monitors to show the number of calories burned, pace, speed, distance, and more. The band also acts as a pedometer.
Elsewhere, incoming calls and messages are displayed on this screen and music can be played, and controlled, by swiping the band.
LG also announced its Heart Rate Earphones that track heart rate and oxygen consumption. It does this by using PerformTek sensor technology that measures the flow of blood in the outer ear.

It can even play a wearer's heartbeat as an audio track through the earbuds.