Intel future showcase – The past, present and future of technology

Wearables are becoming a huge part of our lives, with people now using them to monitor everything from steps, to heart rate, to the number of calories burnt or even skin acidity.

Wearable products on display at Intel’s showcase included the SMS Audio BioSport earbuds, capable of monitoring your heartbeat without the need for a wrist or chest strap, so all you take running with you is your phone and headphones – things you always take with you anyway. They also require no additional charging, as the system charges through the headphone jack on your phone.

Also featured was the Basis Peak smartwatch, a company acquired by Intel around a year ago. These smartwatches follow the more traditional vein of wearables, worn on the wrist to track daily activity.

Tapping into the new concept of quantified self – the assessments made by these wearables about heartbeat, steps taken, calories consumed and sleep quality can help wearers make better decisions about their lives and daily activities to become healthier.

Wearables have been a hot topic recently, with many saying the trend will not take off until manufacturers realise the importance of fashion during wearable development.

The MICA bracelet takes into account both function and fashion. As well as looking good this $500 bracelet is a stand-alone device, and doesn’t need your phone in order to provide notifications due to its built in SIM.

You can customise what notifications you get from key contacts to make sure you’re updated on all of the important things happening in your life.