Before Google Glass, before Pebble and Fitbit, most people were already in possession of wearable technology, they just didn’t know it yet.
Maybe they weren’t all that smart, but headphones are the original wearable tech and they’re getting the VIP treatment at the Wearable Tech Expo on now in New York City.
And it’s not just headphones either. Audio devices in all shapes are sizes are up for discussions at the highly anticipated I am Digital: Sound Clash symposium taking place this evening.
The conference is the first of its kind, and aims to cover the convergence between wearable and audio technology. A statement on the event’s web site says:
The aim of I Am Digital: Sound Clash is to design and provide a wearable audio technology marketplace where buyers, sellers, industry playmakers, and consumers can convene in a global forum for the exchange of innovative ideas, business best practices, new business and networking.
The Global Consumer Smart Wearable Tech Market is growing at a CAGR of 32.78 percent from 2013-2018, with the entertainment and audio segment nearly matching that growth rate. The value of the entertainment segment is expected to increase five-fold over the next four years.
The Sound Clash Event will bring together presenters from all corners of the wearables world and explore topics that range from making to enjoying to designing music.
High fashion and high-tech will converge, with presentations from Linda Fraco, co-founder of wearable tech fashion brand, Machina.
Naughty by Nature’s Vincent Brown will explore the power of brands in the wearable tech market, and Mathew Waldman, CEO of Nooka will discuss the future of audio in a wearable context.
For a full list of presenters, view the event page here.
Audio Wearables Seek to Make Music an Interactive, All-Encompassing Activity
Innovative new products like Muzik, Dash, Intelligent Headset and Woojer are set to take the market by storm, by combining top-notch audio quality with interesting, new, interactive features.
These nifty audio devices, and many more like them are very smart. Some are social, allowing users to share what they’re listening to on social networks. Others are more fitness-minded, measuring steps and heart rate, while still others are geared to provide a more in-depth experience, whether for gaming or listening to music. Whatever their purpose, they’re all created to provide a better listening experience.
