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From Apple Watches to Oura Rings, Meta Ray-Bans to Garmin trackers, wearable technology has taken the health world by storm. Wearable technology is any kind of accessory that works as a health tracker, such as glasses, watches or rings.
First pioneered with the release of the Apple Watch in 2015, wearable technology has quickly been on the rise, especially popular with health enthusiasts. Most wearable technology products offer health information that track things like heart rate, sleep, water intake, activity and more. Certain technology, like the Apple Watch, works primarily as a convenient extension of a phone or tablet that allows for quick access to notifications and messages. Other technology, from companies like Garmin or Coros, offer trackers specialized for sports like swimming or running. This allows for athletes to gain access to information about their health and activity conveniently, without the hassle of getting checked by a doctor. Garmin watches, for example, calculate a person's approximate VO2 Max based on their running and heart rate data.
Certain sources, such as NPJ Digital Medicine, argue that wearable technology could be the forefront of a shift towards a decentralized healthcare system. They cite that wearable technology allows for continuous monitoring of a person’s health, and products are “increasingly being recognized for their expansive potential in (remote) patient monitoring, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications,” according to Nature.com.
However, critics argue that the benefits of wearable technology are not worth their hefty price tag.
“Wearable tech is way too expensive. I wanted to buy an Oura Ring, but then I found out that they require a monthly subscription to work. I can’t afford that!” said junior Ayla Ali.
Ali’s concerns are echoed throughout the tech world. Oura Rings, as mentioned, cost around $300-700, depending on the model. However, after having received the ring, it only functions when paying a $6 monthly subscription. Garmin watches, though convenient for athletes, cost from $100 to $1000, and Apple Watches can be anywhere from $500 to $1500.
Individuals interested in investing in wearable technology should consider all appropriate factors before purchasing.
