Wearable IoT Devices: Applications and Potential Risks

Wearable technology has evolved tremendously due to Internet of Things (IoT). This evolution has made these gadgets more user-friendly. They are easier to configure for data collection and connect to other devices. In this post, we will look at some of their uses. We will show examples of devices on the market and discuss major privacy and security concerns.

What Are Wearable IoT Devices?

Wearable IoT devices or wearables, are technical gadgets that can be attached to clothing or worn as accessories. These devices collect data on vital signs and other health-related variable. They're the consequence of product development efforts. These efforts could be done by a company's own engineering staff or outsourced to product development services.

It might sound surprising but early gadgets like calculator watches, Walkmans Bluetooth headsets and iPods were considered wearables. They were incredibly popular in their time. However, with advent of IoT these devices have evolved.

Thanks to IoT technology, wearables have taken on new forms and names. Examples include smart wearables or IoT wearable devices. These devices now collect various types of information. This includes heart rate, calories burned, blood pressure, exercise time and steps taken among others.

Why Do Wearable IoT Devices Collect Vital Signs?

Wearable technology equipped with IoT sensors aims to provide users with personal data. The more data users can collect on their smartphones or apps, the more in control they feel about their health. It’s a way to monitor one’s physical condition. This might help avoid frequent doctor visits.

We live in an era where information is invaluable. People are drawn to IoT wearable devices because they deliver useful data, and companies recognize this demand. This is why many companies are investing in IoT prototyping to offer wearables with new and innovative features.

Applications of Wearable IoT Devices

The combination of wearable devices and IoT produces remarkable results. These devices typically include sensors, chips (like the ESP32 chip), IoT protocols, and sophisticated firmware and software that process and display data. Pairing IoT with Python can ensure optimal performance of wearable devices.

A wearable device without corresponding app wouldn’t be as appealing. Users rely on these devices to monitor their workout routines. They also track daily activities. Below are some examples of wearable IoT devices that are either available on market or in early stages of product development:

Smartwatches: Among most popular IoT wearable devices, smartwatches allow users to send messages, manage emails and even make phone calls. Brands like Samsung, Apple and Huawei offer these products. With smartwatch, users can check messages or schedules by simply glancing at their wrist. This saves time and effort.

Smartbands: These wearable IoT devices monitor physical activity, pulse, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. Known as fitness wearables, some models can also measure blood sugar levels and body temperature. While smartbands don’t have extensive features of smartwatches, their smaller size makes them preferable for some users.

Smartclothes: Focused primarily on monitoring physical activity, smart clothing can track muscle performance and other vital metrics on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. An example is the product from Enflux, which includes motion sensors, Bluetooth features, anti-odor properties, O2 level measurement, and a heart rate monitor.

Smartglasses: These IoT-based wearable devices are relatively new on the market. They can display information such as burned calories, heart rate, and real-time navigation (map orientation) directly on the lenses. Some models include camera lenses for taking pictures or recording videos, and some even incorporate augmented reality functions, enhancing the user experience.

The future of wearable devices is promising. The market continues to grow. New innovative products are expected to launch. According to Business Wire, smart IoT wearables market is projected to reach $30.88 billion by 2025.

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Wearable IoT Devices – Privacy and Security

While smart wearables provide valuable data to users it’s crucial to consider privacy and security risks associated with these devices. Third-party vendors can make wearable devices vulnerable. Data breaches pose a significant threat to personal information.

While IoT wearable devices are innovative, users must also recognize the sensitivity of the information these devices collect. Here are some important aspects to consider regarding the privacy and security of wearables:

Capturing Photos, Videos, and Audio: Wearables are small, easy to conceal, and simple to use. A person could potentially use these devices to enter a company, capture photos, record videos, or audio from private meetings, and then sell that information to competitors or use it for blackmail. This concern led Google to shift the target market for its Google Glass product from consumers to companies only. Initially, stores and bars expressed concerns about their privacy and that of their customers when the product was first announced. Google continues to develop this wearable, but it is now sold exclusively to companies for internal use.

Lack of Encryption: Wearables are designed to connect quickly and easily to various devices, often neglecting basic security standards. The data they collect is usually stored on the provider’s cloud servers, which should be properly encrypted to ensure security.

Easy Access to Personal Information: Companies that produce wearables must address the privacy and security aspects mentioned above. The wearable market could be significantly impacted if IoT security breaches compromise personal information in the future.

A reliable IoT application development company can enhance the security and performance of IoT wearable devices, provided that the startup or company responsible for the device prioritizes proper IoT protocol configurations and personal data protection.

In conclusion, IoT wearables are highly appealing to individuals who value having data available at any moment. It’s also important to remember that many of these devices can be used for healthcare monitoring.