Wrist vs Face

iWatch prototype.

Which 'wearable' technology going to dominate?

Just read an interesting article this morning on venture beat, about Apple and Google's interpretation on which 'wearable' tech is going to dominate the market for the next round of personal technology battle.

In the article, venerated Apple CEO Tim Cook made a good point: 

“I wear glasses because I have to — I can’t see without them — but I don’t know a lot of people that wear them that don’t have to,” Cook said. “People who do wear them generally want them to be light, unobtrusive, probably want them to reflect their fashion, their style … from a mainstream point of view this [pointing at his head] is difficult.”

True, in the age where people are getting lasik surgeries, or squinting like mad pretending they aren't going blind, putting something back on your face - let along an expensive device - just doesn't seem...practical.    

However, having another piece of accessory on your wrist, where you can get the same (if not more) information via your smartphone, seems equally redundant.  Especially items such as Nike's FuelBand can tell time and track your calories burn - in an inconspicuous manner.  

IMHO, the decisive vote then comes down to something that's build into our modern DNA: fashion statement.  Let me re-phrase: individualized fashion statement.  We've already paying a lot of attention to decorate mobile devices - a seemingly hidden, using-it-when-you-need accessory - imagine something that we wear on our wrist and on our face.  In the pursuit of simplicity and uber-modern minimalist design, the hardware guys would do well to recognize one of people's biggest needs for accessories is to show off - gaudy and tacky is in the eye of the beholder.  The more way to accessorize, the easier the path to victory.

May the best device wins - we will be supporting both until then. 

RG

Check out the original article here: http://venturebeat.com/2013/06/20/study-apples-bet-on-the-wrist-might-be-smarter-than-googles-bet-on-the-face/#1KfxQMe5tm0iFSkS.99