Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, has been around for long enough now that distributors have many options and price levels to choose from. But how can distributors make sure they are providing their clients with a quality product that will be a valued addition to end users’ lives rather than discarded in a drawer?
Vito Ciaravino, owner of supplier Intelligent Galaxy, LLC (PPAI 516765), a company with the tagline The Leaders In Wearable Technology, says distributors should know there are some wearable technology items out there that don’t work the way they advertise. “Distributors need to understand the products and how they work, and not decide on a wearable strictly on price alone,” says Ciaravino.
“Do your research to learn what makes certain products better. For example, find out what sensors a tracker uses. If it’s a 2D sensor, it tracks any motion so it won’t be very accurate. Better products include a 3D sensor, which means that three-dimensional movement is required for it to track, so something like waving your hand or driving won’t register as movement and count as a step. Top-of-the-line products have 6D sensors, which can decipher whether you’re going up or down stairs or biking.”
Ciaravino also says distributors should check the app that comes with the device for ease of use, quality of data, and to make sure the tracker can connect properly before recommending it to their clients. For example, “Many apps give users an average calorie burn rate based on a person of similar height and weight, but some apps will allow end users to input their stride length, which gives a much more accurate calorie count,” he explains.
Ten New And Upcoming Wearable Tech Trends To Watch
1 Smart jewelry — gems that offer UV detection so you know when to cover up, and bracelets that pay your bills
2 Connected clothes — fabric integrated with technology
3 Smart shoes — sneakers with integrated trackers
4 More measuring — wearables that measure VO2 Max, heart rate variability (HRV), metabolic rates, body composition and sweat
5 Chore gamification — smart wearables for kids age three to eight that parents can communicate with through an app to set schedules, teach time and, yes, reward chore completion
6 Emotional intelligence — wearables that sense how you feel, rather than just how fit you are
7 ID wristbands — paper bracelets for virtual queueing, NFC payments, photo tagging and easy access to doors, turnstiles and lockers
8 Tech tats — temporary tattoos or “biowearables” that can send health data such as blood sugar levels to doctors, among many other potential uses
9 Body heat — wearable devices powered by the body
10 Hearables — high-powered earbuds for fitness tracking, coaching and real-time translation, as well as to connect with AI assistants such as Siri, Alexa, Cortana and Google Assistant
Sources: Wareable.com; Intelligent Galaxy LLC
CASE STUDIES
1 Setting The Pace
Axis Promotions’ (PPAI 159158) client wanted to celebrate a milestone achievement—being named the No. 1 U.S. Fairness Opinion Provider. “We sourced Fitbit and branded each one,” says Johanna Gottlieb, senior branding specialist. “We sent them to a fulfillment house and we sourced mailers and added red crinkle (red is a big brand color for the client). Each Fitbit was put into the mailer with crinkle and sent with a personalized card. We also added a nice belly band to the mailer and drop shipped these around the country.”
2 Message In A Backpack
When Corporate Specialty Insignia (PPAI 671332) was asked to suggest staff gifts as a recognition solution for a client focused on technology, it wanted to wow the client with something unique.
“We selected the Therm-O Backpack™ from BAG MAKERS because it offered utility, integrated technology and had a high perceived value for a diverse organization of gender and age,” says Bryan James, co-owner of Corporate Specialty Insignia. “We embedded a digital code in the logo which is stored in the Cloud and is linked to a URL, YouTube or coupon, and can be redirected at a moment’s notice using the Digimarc® Discover app and VistaScan technology.” [VistaScan combines BAG MAKERS’ ColorVista imprint process with digital barcode technology to create an interactive experience].
“We encouraged the end buyer to record a warm, strategic message and then upload it to YouTube. Each end user received the backpack and was given instructions to download the free app and scan the logo to view the video message. Lastly, the Digimarc technology offers analytics so we provided the amount of views (scans) by end users, which exceeded 60 percent.”
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Health And Fitness Focused Products
Music and GPS go straight to your wrist with the new Misfit Vapor Smartwatch—with no phone required. Built-in location services track your runs, swims (it’s water resistant to 50 meters) and other activities in real time. View and track your heart rate. Utilize the Bluetooth connectivity to keep you connected and enjoy a virtual bezel which allows for quick navigation. It’s all tucked behind a sleek and vibrant circular touchscreen that is as stylish as it is smart. The Misfit Vapor releases in July.
Fossil / PPAI 196495 / www.fossil.com
Prime Line / PPAI 112744 / www.primeline.com
KTI Networks / KTI Promo / PPAI 238818 / www.ktipromo.com
Abt Electronics / PPAI 652151 / www.abt.com
Intelligent Galaxy, LLC / PPAI 516765 / www.intelligentgalaxy.com
Ariel Premium Supply, Inc. / PPAI 161650 / www.arielpremium.com
Beacon Promotions / PPAI 113702 / www.beaconpromotions.com
Cases To Carry Your Technology
Numo / PPAI 112597 / www.numomfg.com
Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc. / PPAI 113873 / www.VSACorporate.com
Mobile Edge / PPAI 314937 / www.mobileedge.com
Scully Leather / PPAI 174962 / www.scullycorporate.com