As we’ve seen, phones no longer just make calls, watches no longer just tell the time and now a hat no longer just keeps your head warm. Wearable tech has been around for a while but only now is it really entering into its own; for some it’s the future, for others it’s sometimes a step too far. Either way, here we take a look at some of the most peculiar wearable tech around, from the strange to the downright laughable.
Nintendo’s Virtual Boy
Released in 1995, and discontinued a year later, Nintendo’s attempt at wearable tech turned out to be a bit of a flop. Intended as a form of virtual reality, the Virtual Boy allowed wearers to enter into a world of 3D gaming. In reality, it was deemed expensive and uncomfortable for the wearer, it’s not too hard to see why that might’ve been, but as the first of its kind it was to be expected.
WiFi Detection Cap
Always on the lookout for WiFi in public places? Need a new baseball cap? Kill two birds with one stone with the WiFi Detection Cap… Promising to detect WiFi, the cap uses flashing LED lights to notify the wearer if a WiFi signal is present.
Whilst perhaps not for the most fashion conscious, the cap certainly does the job, though quite how you are meant to see the flashing lights on your head poses a few questions.
Kapture Wristband
Working on a 60-second loop, the wristband continuously records ambient sound. With just a tap, a clip can be saved and downloaded to a smartphone, where you can share it with others.
Available in a variety of colours, the device prides itself on being stylish as well as functional, great for spies or budding musicians alike!
Cyclops Cap
This device allows you to display videos and photos, on your head… Granted, a screen on your head isn’t the ideal way to watch a film, that and the fact that it doesn’t have sound, but it does have the potential to be used as a marketing tool for companies looking to get their name out there.
And don’t worry, it’s waterproof so you’re free to wear it in the rain, the shower, swimming pool and anywhere else you might want to wear a screen on your head.
Tech mask
Everybody knows that every great superhero needs a mask. While this contraption won’t give you any superhuman powers, it might make you feel as if you’ve got bat-like hearing.
Comprising two pieces, the mask is all about audio and video analysis, which it feeds back to a computer. It might leave you looking more like Bane than Batman but the results should be interesting.
The Emergency Bra
It’s not every day you come across a Nobel Peace Prize winning bra. But today is one of those days. At first glance The Emergency Bra, designed after Chernobyl, seems like any other bra but it actually doubles up as a gas mask. Whipping off your bra to use as a gas mask might not be an everyday occurrence, but it could prove to be useful one day!
Hövding Invisible Helmet
Appearance conscious, helmet head fearing cyclists everywhere, rejoice! No longer need there be a daily struggle between safety and vanity! The airbag style inflatable collar deploys on impact to act as a helmet and can be disguised as part of the wearer’s outfit. Now there’s definitely no excuse for cyclist not to wear a helmet.
Sony’s SmartWig
Move over hair transplants, here comes the smart wig! While little is known about Sony’s Smart Wig as yet, it is said that it will be a genuine wig with smart technology hidden within it.
The filing for the patent states that it could help navigate roads and collect info such as blood pressure, whilst also being able to connect wirelessly to other devices. Allegedly, it could also involve sending electric shocks through the skull, just what everyone wants from a hairpiece!
Navigate Jacket
Tired of old fashioned maps? Find yourself thinking ‘if only my coat could give me directions’? Well, this could be just the thing for you!
Using GPS the jacket guides you to your destination, with flashing lights in the sleeves and vibrations in the shoulders to tell you when to turn left or right, getting lost will be a thing of the past. Or, at least if you do get lost, the flashing lights will help the search party find you.
