Wearable Technology

Sony announced the replacement for its aging but very successful PlayStation VR (PSVR) at CES 2022; CES 2023 saw the chance to demo the VR2, which is only compatible with the relatively hard-to-find PlayStation 5 (PS5).

2022 was a turbulent year for Extended Reality (XR). The popularization of the metaverse concept raised massive interest in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) devices as the gateway to this future vision of the internet, with excitement gathering over an expected revolution in how we communicate.

Lumus is an Israeli company which designs optical engines for AR and other head mounted display (HMD) devices. These optical engines are composed of a display and reflective (also known as geometric) waveguide combiner — Lumus' key expertise is in the design of these waveguides, which can expand the exit pupil in two dimensions. Although largely fabless, it has its own smaller production line for R&D and specialized orders.

This premium article reviews the specific technology opportunities and market outlook for wrist-worn wearable technology.

TCL Technology were founded in 1981 and are a Chinese electronics company. At CES 2023, TCL were demonstrating their latest innovations in augmented reality glasses. TCL have incubated a now independent outfit 'RayNeo'. Tess Skyrme, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, interviewed RayNeo's Algorithm Expert Zhuijun Bao and Global PR Manager Dongyao Nie at their booth.

Shenzhen Fitcare Electronics exhibited at CES 2023 and provided the following whitepaper.

As the smartwatch market matures, the capabilities of alternative wearables continue to expand. In the coming years, alternative form factors could begin tempting consumers away. Not only could these devices provide more value - they also have the potential to access new biometrics.

At CES 2023, Mitsui Chemicals showcased a novel fiber-based movement sensor that offers an alternative to IMUs and is well-suited to e-textiles.

AI Silk is an early-stage Korean firm that has developed a novel method to manufacture conductive e-textiles. In partnership with Heraeus it exhibited a haptic glove utilizing its conductive e-textile technology at CES 2023.

Movano Health was founded in 2018 and develops consumer-focused medical devices. IDTechEx analyst Dr Skyrme interviewed the CEO John Mastrototaro at their booth at CES 2023.

Innovation roadmap for haptics technology and its adoption.

Hirose Electric was founded in 1980 and is based in both the United States and Japan. The company is a major component provider for wearable OEMs.

Epicore Biosystems exhibited at CES 2023 alongside their latest partner 3M. IDTechEx analyst Dr Skyrme interviewed VP of Commercial Development Brett Booth at their booth. The company was founded in 2017, spun out of the bioelectronic laboratory at Northwestern University.

HTC announced its Vive XR Elite headset at CES 2023.

This premium article discusses the challenges and current status of non-invasive glucose monitoring, including applications, relevant players, FDA requirements, and more.

Port 6 exhibited at CES 2023. IDTechEx analyst Dr Skyrme interviewed the CEO and Founder Ohto Pentikainen.

Wednesday 8 February 2023 - Technological Developments and Applications. Contents that will be covered in this webinar include: An overview of PIC technology; Drivers of increased data demands from data centres; PIC trends in the communications industry; and PIC adoption in other markets

Cerathrive is a start-up offering transcranial wearable light therapy hardware. Tess Skyrme, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, interviewed Sarah Turner, CEO and Founder, following CES 2023.

An assessment of the commercial readiness of analogue printing processes used for printing electronics.

Rogalife (Roga) offers wearable therapeutics as a solution for mental health and corporate wellness.