The wearable devices currently in the market seem to fall into two categories: they either come with long battery life but simple features, or short battery life with comprehensive features. Is there a solution to make wearable devices that have both long battery life and comprehensive features? Imagination has the answer.No compromise: Wearable devices are not mobile devicesIn his speech, "Get that smartphone chip out of my wearable! Designing SoCs optimized for wearable computing," Bryce Johnstone, Head of Ecosystems at Imagination Technologies, stated that currently, wearable devices such as smartwatches mostly adopt smartphone chips resulting in products that are high in power consumption with unnecessary features. To increase sales, chips for wearables should be redesigned. Johnstone first talked about power consumption and safety of wearable technology and then introduced new chip solutions designed by Imagination's partners specifically for wearable devices.Johnstone noted that wearable devices have been in the market for many years, such as the heart rate monitor introduced by Polar in the 1980's. With the coming together of a number of technology and social aspects, the time for wearables has now arrived. Advances such as configurable and flexible processing, low-cost silicon, low-power connectivity and others are combining to meet emerging requirements today's highly tech savvy consumers, who want instant social media interaction, personal and health monitoring, and always-on connectivity. The industry has begun focusing on wearables, and is providing low-cost and low-power consumption MEMS sensors, advanced power management technology, and chipsets designed specifically for this market.Mobile and wearable devices have very different hardware structuresAccording to Johnstone, the wearable devices currently in the market usually adopt compromised solutions.The main similarity between today's smartwatches is they tend to adopt high-end chips and hardware similar to those used in smartphones. This means the products consume power more rapidly and users have to recharge frequently. Also the user interface of these products is similar to that of smartphones, but varies among brands because there has not been a standard application programming interface (API).Wearable devices should not just be a smaller version of mobile devices, but should instead meet demand from different markets and provide specific and necessary, often complementary functions. In designing these products, companies must consider the many factors, including: low power consumption (power consumption should be calculated on a daily or weekly basis for exercise sensors, monthly for home care sensors, and yearly for vital sign sensors), low cost, small memory, method of use, data security, data accuracy, data collection efficiency, data management, and connectivity (low frequency bandwidth and high efficiency power use and data transfer, support low power-consumption mesh network, and wireless connection).Johnstone outlined some of the necessary hardware specifications for smart bracelets, smart watches and smartphones for comparison. In terms of the CPU speeds, an example smart bracelet runs on a sub-100MHz MCU, compared to an example smartwatch with a 0.3-1GHz multi-core power-saving application processor (AP), and a smartphone with a 2GHz quad-core CPU.As for other items in the comparison, display screens are unnecessary for smart bracelets. Smartwatches need only a small screen with a simple interface. Smartphones obviously feature larger displays that support a full range of functions. As for memory and battery capacity, it is low for smart bracelets, medium for smartwatches and high for smartphones. However, battery life for smart bracelets is long, medium for smartwatches and short for smartphones.Different wearable devices require different functionality. For example, smart bracelets need various types of sensors to accurately collect information; smart watches provide a more convenient way to read messages and should focus on simple interactions; and smart glasses provide high resolution images and camera functionality and focus on expanding the virtual reality experience.One potential wearable device architecture outlined by Johnstone features a 3-CPU core architecture: a wearable computing CPU, wearable control CPU, and sensor CPU (which connects various sensors).Johnstone also showed the difference in power consumption between wearable devices with smartphone components and wearable devices with wearable-optimized components. Smartwatches with wearable components can be 10 times more efficient in power consumption performing exercise monitoring functions (with only the sensor CPU on), 10-20 times more efficient in voice recognition and operating various apps (with the wearable control CPU on).They can three times more efficient in running an OS like Android Wear, which was introduced by Google to specifically accommodate wearable devices with an aim to provide the best user experience and a standard API (with the wearable computing CPU on). This means the multiple-CPU architecture meets the requirements of wearable devices.Power-saving and high efficiency is the best wearable device solutionImagination's partner Ingenic has introduced Newton, a MIPS-based wearable hardware development platform. The Newton platform is embedded with low-power consumption and high-performance JZ4775 1GHz MIPS CPU, and can process multimedia (enabling 2D graphic engines and various types hardware acceleration). It features multiple memory support (256KB L2 cache RAM + up to 3GB mobile DDR3/DDR2/LPDDR RAM + eMMC), contains a four-in-one connectivity component (Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0, EDR supporting Bluetooth, NFC, and FM), and supports various sensors (habitual, environmental, and biological). The device consumes power around four microwatts during standby, and 100 microwatts during operation. The PCB size is the size of two one-euro coins.Another Imagination partner, Ineda, has introduced the Dhanush WPU (wearable processing unit), which is the first processing unit designed specifically for the wearable device market. The system structure incorporates the three types of CPUs as described above: a low-power consumption sensor CPU, a low-power consumption sub CPU, and a main CPU for application processing. In particular, the sensor CPU only operates Tiny RTOS to collect data, hence only consumes one-third of the power compared to pure MCU solutions. The sensor CPU consumes 2-3 times less power during standby, supports 2-30 times more memory, and the embedded DSP/FPU runs 2-3 times faster than pure MCU solutions.Johnstone concluded that MIPS structure is the CPU with the most potential for expansion in the wearables market. It supports products ranging from low- to high-performance applications. It is an ideal choice for various sectors.Bryce Johnstone, Head of Ecosystems at Imagination Technologies

Wearable technology can not only be applied to sensory and gesture control, voice recognition, augmented reality, health monitoring, biometrics, and infotainment, but vendors today have also developed brainwave sensing wearable devices that give users the ability to use "thoughts" to "control" different equipment.Amazing wearable from Toronto, CanadaDuring his speech "Wearable technology - Changing the way you THINK" Derek Luke, COO of Canada-based InteraXon, introduced the background of InteraXon, a leading company in developing brainwave technology. InteraXon's development team began conducting EEG related research in 2003 prior to the establishment of the company. The team attempted to produce changes in the surrounding environment with brainwaves, and create compelling life experiences. InteraXon was formally established in 2009, and revealed itself for the first time at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where the crowd wore brainwave controllers and used their thoughts to control the lights on Niagara Falls, the Canadian Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and the Toronto CN Tower.Later, InteraXon invested in the development of a thin and light brainwave headband called "Muse." When the prototype appeared in 2011, the CEO of InteraXon, Ariel Garten, unveiled her company's development technology in a TED Talk using "know thyself, with a brain scanner" as the theme. In 2013, InteraXon received first-round financing from Sir Ka-shing Li's private investment firm, Horizons Ventures, and officially introduced Muse in 2014.Multiple sensors to get a feel for what you're thinkingDerek described some previous applications of his company's product, including mind control of lights on a stage and "telepathically"turning on a beer tap to fill a beer mug hands-free. He indicated that EEG (electroencephalography) has actually been in use in the field of medicine for many years, mainly for purposes such as improving sleep quality and concentration. However, EEG use in medical care requires a lot of sensors attached to the head. Not only is it inconvenient, heavy, and unpleasant, but it also is very costly. actiCHamp, for example, is priced at about US$36,000.The Muse EEG brain sensing headband produced by Derek's company comes in two choices of black or white. It is easy to wear, light-weight, and fashionable. With its non-invasive design, it is comfortable to wear on the head. Most of all, it is affordably priced at US$299. Derek then put on the Muse headband for the audience to see for themselves and demonstrated the use of its companion smartphone app. The first step after Muse is put on is calibration (this allows the Muse headband to sense your brainwaves and to adjust the fit to the head); the second step is to relax and let the app guide you on sensing your brain activity; the third step is gathering data which is then relayed to you. It is that simple to use!The Muse brain sensing headband, with seven built-in sensors (five on the forehead and two behind the ears), detects and measures brain activity when it is put on the head and converts the measurements into instant data for the user to see on a mobile device via Bluetooth technology so that the user can understand how his/her own brain is functioning. After a long period of training and recording, Muse will help people better understand their own mind activities so as to relieve stress and improve memory and concentration. People are therefore able to analyze what makes them excited and what makes them focused, which can help users eliminate negative feelings. In the future the user will eventually be able to control various devices through a focused mind.Training your mind to focus and control everythingTechnology products are interactive (i.e. users interact outwardly with the device) while brainwave detection and scanning technology is intraactive (i.e. users interact inwardly with the device). Muse allows you and the product to develop a responsive relationship by scanning and analyzing your brainwaves. Through cycles of iterative intraactions, you are able to use this information to better understand your inner self and show this understanding in the outer world. While smartbands can be used to promote physical health, the Muse headband can be used to promote mental well-being.InteraXon brings together user experience specialists, integrated software/hardware technologies, and a brainwave algorithm database to help the user build his/her own dedicated brainwave model and provide an open platform for brainwave applications. InteraXon currently owns a portfolio of 18+ patents and has developed a wearable sensing headband that combines comfort and fashion. In addition, Muse leads the brainwave detection industry in building a complete ecosystem by joining together the world's most prestigious brainwave researchers, cutting-edge sensor development teams, machine learning based on cloud computing, growing network platform developers, added-value investors, and technical partners to collaboratively promote EEG applications to the consumer market.Derek mentioned that the current hardware spec is applicable to fields including Calm, ADHD, health, and gaming, creating a market value as high as US$30 billion. Calm, an app developed by Derek's company, can be used to train oneself to stay calm using the application for just three minutes a day by monitoring one's brainwaves for the purpose of managing emotions.In terms of applications related to ADHD, developers can design games that improve concentration to teach hyper-active children to stay focused, which may attain the same effect as taking Ritalin. For health applications, Muse can be used with a heart rate indicator in addition to mind training to effectively monitor exercise as well as mental and physical health. As for the gaming market, Muse can be used to enhance the gaming experience, offering new entertainment experiences.Derek concluded his presentation by pointing out that the only limitation to InteraXon's high tech potential is imagination. The company is seeking forward-thinking partners from all fields to jointly develop innovative solutions to help people overcome physical, mental, and emotional barriers for a more colorful and meaningful life.Derek Luke, COO of Canada-based InteraXon

Should wearable devices adopt an integration-based design or module-based design? Take smart glass for example, where increased functions increase the mass and weight of the product, which decreases the comfort level for users. However, although products with simple functions are light, the lack of functionality means users need to supplement it with other products, which is not practical. This article addresses how to adopt module-based designs for wearable devices and maintain the possibility of extending functionality, while keeping the product visually attractive.Wearable glasses deviceShiann-Jang Wang, VP of RD JORJIN Technologies Inc., recently held a speech regarding this topic. Visually, first he tried on two smart glasses that have currently been announced in the market, one from an US-based company and the other from a Japan-based company. Both glasses adopt full-function design but the glasses themselves seemed kind of heavy and not as friendly as ordinary glasses. He took this as an example of the question whether or not humans need this heavy product.Wang noted that Jorjin had many opportunities to work with international smart glass makers in past two years and jointly developed these smart glasses. From the clients' designs, the firm has learned the direction of smart glasses development and has been brainstorming better solutions to design products that meet consumer needs. His topic included areas such as the comparison of integrated designs and module designs, single-lens and dual-lens devices, small, wide and immersive field of views, display only devices and recording features needed, as well as features of the host control interface (HCI) which includes touch, eye, ring, voice and image recognition.Smart glass design conceptWang stated that currently announced smart glasses in the market have features such as a display, camera, sensors, and computing. Why is it necessary to bundle all those components into wearable devices? What kind of glasses are suitable for us and what kind of glasses are suitable for people of certain professions to obtain desirable information when needed? This can be discussed starting with the design concept.Take the exterior, for example; currently there are two categories of design- Uniting and Separating. The former includes all functions into the glasses, such as Vuzix M100. The latter only includes necessary functions onto the glasses while other functions can be added separately, such as with the Epson Moverio BT-200, which this glasses only contain a display, camera and sensor functions, headphones and computing with accessories that can be connected through either cable or wirelessly.Glasses with an integrated design have more functions and hence consume more power. This means battery capacity needs to be increased, which also increases the weight. Glasses with a module design concept separates the glasses from the battery, which can be placed in pockets or bags, moreover, make the glasses lighter and batteries lasting longer.Some products are monocular and some are binocular. Products such as the Vuzix M100 and Google Glass adopt the single-lens design while Epson BT-200 adopts the dual-lens design. Both designs vary greatly in image-generation, light trail and image-projection. For dual lens, the product can produce 3D images and enable users to watch 3D movies. On the other hand, single lens products focus on improved resolution.Smart glasses can be designed for different fields of views (FOVs) such as small, wide, and immersive. Single lens products can provide small FOVs at approximately 10 degrees and can project image similar to a 14-inch display being viewed from five feet away. Most dual lens products can provide wider FOVs. Epson BT-200 can provide an FOV up to 23 degrees and can project images similar to 160-inches viewed from 10 meters away. Meta Pro can provide immersive level of all-angle images.In addition, there are other products that carry special features such as providing display on glasses (like Sony's HMZ family theater) or just cameras (such as Pivothead's HDHF hands-free high resolution camera glasses). Some have embedded sensors like Jins Meme smart glasses that can sense fatigue and can be used during workouts.Best smart glass design - lightweight, power-efficient, and easy to controlWang pointed out the three major factors in designing smart glasses - weight, power consumption, and HCI. For weight, consumers do not want to wear heavy glasses. Full immersion glasses can weigh close to one pound (453g), Google Glass weighs around 65g and Jins weigh around 36g. Hence, what is the ideal weight for smart glasses is a question for everyone to ponder.As for power consumption, Vuzix M100 comes with a 3,800mAh external power supply that can last 6-8 hours. Google Glass claims the battery can last one day. This may be derived from optimizing efficiency of hardware and power management.Thirdly, HCI can be controlled through touch, eye, ring, voice, and image. Whether or not to put all these features onto the glasses itself or use as accessories is a topic worth considering.Module-based design provides strengths for best smart glassesFrom the discussion, we can realize that through module-based design, smart glasses can achieve the strength of being lightweight, having a longer battery life, and better control. Hence, Wang noted, smart glass hardware can be divided into three categories - glass sensor, computer control, and cloud service. In particular, computer control can be connected with cloud services via LTE or Wi-Fi and connected with sensors via the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI).Jorjin Glasses Turnkey Solutions adopt the Raccoon hardware platform (with an OMAP4460/4470 application processor module), camera sensor board (can support 1.3/2/5/8 mega-pixel CCM sensor modules), in-house-developed Wi-Fi/BT/GPS and LTE/3G modules. The device is smaller than 15x65mm. The solution provides software components such as Wi-Fi Miracast, BLE 4.0, Precise GPS (PGPS), Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX), facial recognition, image quality control, environment expansion control, barcode scan, 3G/LTE data transfer and voice connection.For glass sensors, Jorjin solutions provide features such as light engine, LCoS display/driver IC, eye flash sensor, and 1.3/2/5/8 mega-pixel CCM module, while keeping the size at 15x35mm. The software solution provides functions such as display quality control, display color compression, still image capture, video image capture, stream and play. All in all, Jorjin has been dedicating to providing module-based solutions in past two years til now and show the company's strength in the smart glasses development market. The firm joins the China Smart Glasses Industry Alliance and has also plays a leading role in developing smart glasses. The comprehensive module-based design and integrated software with the hardware will be the best system solution for smart glasses firms.Shiann-Jang Wang, VP of RD JORJIN Technologies

Wearable devices are a kind of natural extension of mobile devices in a world where we are connected to one another through smartphones and clouds, forming a futuristic lifestyle in which all things are connected and capable of communicating with each other. In order to meet the diverse needs of the market, wearable devices need to be custom designed, using the most suitable "recipes" to cook the most delicious "cuisine" that cater to the market's "tastes." Therefore, when searching for the right "ingredients," we must adhere to the principles of being "small yet complete" as well as "small and cost-effective" Now, the master chef of this field will unveil the recipe for successful wearable devices.Requirements of wearable technologies from the perspective of mobile devicesPankaj Kedia, Senior Director of New Business Development at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., in a speech "Recipe for a Successful Wearable Device," explained Qualcomm's vision and future developmental blueprints for wearable technologies. He started by noting that currently, smartphones are already the most personal and powerful devices in the array of technology products we carry around every day. In the United States, an average of 106 Android apps are launched each day; 75% of users between the age of 18-24 reach for their smartphones immediately after waking up, and approximately 94% of users use their devices to look for local information (news, weather, traffic, etc.); and finally, approximately 79% of users use them to watch videos.In terms of the Company's vision for wearable technologies, Qualcomm believes that the smartphone is the central hub as our personal companion and information center, being able to connect to the cloud to access information and intelligence as well as being able to connect with wearable devices (such as wristbands, watches, shoes, glasses, earplugs, and clothing etc.) via Bluetooth/NFC, thereby becoming a relay station for wearable devices. On the other hand, wearable devices can also be designed to be able to connect directly to the cloud through 3G/4G/Wi-Fi. Therefore, Kedia believes that in the future, all devices will be connected and capable of communicating with one anotherWearable products are experiencing explosive growth, with designs varying based on usage requirementsKedia pointed out that the market for wearable products is rapidly growing, with shipment volumes expected to surpass 200 million units in 2018 (data provided by IHS), of which smart watches are one of the categories with the highest growth rates (GAGR higher than 170%). The top-three application areas for wearable products are: infotainment, fitness & wellness and healthcare & medical. In response to different types of applications, the design of products will take on different styles and sizes.He used a chart of four quadrants divided by a horizontal axis and a vertical axis to portray the industry. The horizontal axis represents connectivity capability and the vertical axis functionality. The first quadrant represents "high-end smart products," which have the highest level of connectivity as well as the most functionality. Examples for this product category would be smart watches or glasses products with built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Bluetooth LE (low energy) or even 3G/4G connectivity capabilities (categorized as Type 2). The third quadrant represents "products of basic functionality" that have relatively single connectivity capabilities; such products might only have Bluetooth/Bluetooth LE connectivity. Examples for this product category include sports watches, wristbands, and smart clothes (categorized as Type 1).Type 1 devices, which run real-time operating systems (RTOS's) such as Embedded Linux or ThreadX, are mainly used in single-purpose applications that require long-term sensing and always-on operation. Consumers expect batteries for these types of devices to be able to last for up to seven days. Type 2 devices, which mostly run high-level operating systems (HLOS's) such as Android Wear or Tizen, emphasize high performance and rich user experiences, and users are accustomed to charging these devices daily.In light of this, Qualcomm provides many types of "ingredients" and "condiments" for wearable devices, allowing system vendors to select suitable "recipes" based on their needs in order to demonstrate their successful cooking skills:A. In terms of connectivity technologies, Qualcomm provides 3G, 4G LTE, 4G LTE Advanced, Bluetooth 4.0/LE, NFC, GPS (Qualcomm IZat location technologies), and Wi-Fi (Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac technology).B. In terms of IoT protocols, Qualcomm has the AllJoyn Framework (AllSeen Alliance).C. In terms of interface components, Qualcomm has low power, virtually always on, color touch display (Qualcomm Mirasol display technology), and Pixtronix display technology.D. In terms of processors, Qualcomm has low-power, high-performance custom ARM CPUs, custom low-power DSP engines, and integrated sensor engines for always-on sensor processing.E. In terms of power components, Qualcomm provides wireless charging (Qualcomm WiPower wireless charging technology).F. In terms of multimedia, Qualcomm has hardware image and video engines, as well as low-power audio and voice processing.G. In terms of graphics units, Qualcomm provides its own Adreno GPUs and display processing engines.H. In terms of wireless health, Qualcomm has a cross-platform cloud-based information management system: the 2net platform.A wide variety of ingredients and condiments for developing the best wearable device recipeWith Qualcomm's wide variety of rich ingredients and condiments, how should one develop a successful personal wearable recipe? First, the style has to be cool and it has to be rich in functionality: (1) thinner, lighter, and sleeker; (2) ultra-long battery life; (3) always connected; (4) always on, always sensing and always listening. Therefore, by using components optimized for wearable devices in the designs, the aforementioned requirements can be met.In terms of the first type of requirements, Qualcomm provides highly integrated SoCs (such as Type 2 performance + multimedia + connectivity, and Type 1 signal processing + connectivity), and uses innovative ePoP packaging, capable of accurately maintaining the temperature of the ICs within ranges that the human body can bear. In terms of the second type of requirements, Qualcomm uses processors and displays with low-power architectures as well as aggressive power management technologies to increase the number of days that devices stay active; along with Qualcomm's own WiPower wireless charging and Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technologies to significantly reduce the time required in charging. In terms of the third type of requirements, Bluetooth/Bluetooth LE can be used to connect devices, while Bluetooth/Bluetooth LE and NFC can be used to connect smartphones, and Wi-Fi or 3G/4G can be used to connect to personal clouds. In terms of the fourth type, always-on and always-sensing requirements can be met by connecting with various types of environment, navigation, context input/output, as well as health and fitness sensor devices.The wearable device market is hot and now is the time to step in. With technologies advancing rapidly, many companies have already entered this market and introduced their first generation of wearable products, stimulating much interest from consumers. Qualcomm is a leader in this industry, providing advanced design and development technologies; what's more is that Qualcomm has also collaborated with the ecosystem within the industry over the years, and is therefore capable of helping customers quickly integrate Qualcomm's solutions into their products, and working together to explore the unlimited opportunities of the wearable technologies market.In summary, Kedia said that wearable devices will be the next big thing in the industry's development and talked about the shape and size of segment will continue to evolve. Therefore, it is imperative to use the right components on the path to developing successful products. Qualcomm provides components and advanced technologies with optimized performance, helping customers develop light, thin and sleek wearable products that have ultra-long battery life, and are always connected, always on, always sensing, and always listening.Pankaj Kedia, senior director of new business development at Qualcomm Technologies

Popular social networking sites enable friends to maintain closer communication. Live feeds of an event can be sent to friends through video sharing so that the receivers can feel that they are there themselves. However, sharing only visual and audio content is no longer enough. If you can send tactile sensations to your friends as well, it can enhance the personal connections and experience. How do you transmit live feeds to others and allow them to have a sense of real presence through the tactile sensation? Let us ask the haptic technology experts to share their research results with us.The new specialized haptic technology provides the most realistic contactRoger Wang, Taiwan Country Manager of Immersion Corporation, gave a speech entitled "Creating a More Engaging & Intuitive Mobile Experiences in User-Created Video and Wearables." Wang indicated that since his company was founded two decades ago, it has been conducting research and developing products in the areas of force feedback, motion and tactile effects. The number of patents already obtained and currently being reviewed totals more than 1,650. At present, the main products provide tactile solutions to enable mobile devices that can playback realistic tactile feelings driven by Immersion's software. These technologies have already been adopted in the mobile device, automotive, gaming, medical, and consumer electronics sectors.The mobile device-dedicated proprietary tactile software, TouchSense, has already been built into more than 800 million mobile phones. The embedded software can produce high-quality tactile responses by using very little power to have the motor create vibrations. It transcends the traditional "visual" enjoyment by adding the "tactile" sensations. Wang indicated that touch is a critical part of human experiences. It is part of our everyday life, and we hope that the mobile devices that we use every day can be equipped with such everyday life experiences as well.The tactile enhances user experiencesImmersion's own surveys on users and various academic studies have found that the people who have used tactile-feedback touchscreens and non-tactile-feedback touchscreens felt that the former ones were easier to use, worked better, were more reliable and more responsive. It lets you know you have touched something, as if you have pressed a real button. The multiple UI sensory expressions (auditory + visual + tactile) will improve the users' experiences.Wang indicated that Immersion's haptic (or tactile feedback) technology can recreate realistic human sensations. Using real-world tactile sensations to the users can increase their sense of trust, change how they feel, and transfer emotions on a personal level. In terms of mobile and wearable devices, this technology can provide a better connection and confirmation to enrich communications between people. In terms of opening up opportunities for innovative design, the technology provides UI and program design tools for creating special tactile effects. It allows OEMs, telecom carriers, content and social media services providers to work with Immersion to design advanced user experiences.Content + Tactile effects = The most realistic feelingsIn today's mobile and wearable devices, creating a corresponding tactile experience on a shared piece of content and enabling the content receivers to feel as if they are on the scene are feats that can be achieved using the haptic technology. Wang used a demonstration video to illustrate the tactile applications. First, the company's TouchEffects Studio software can add tactile effects into your video. For example, when a skateboarder does a kick flip in a skateboarding video, the "Pow" haptic layered effects can be added to strengthen the shared content. When another party receives your shared content, the effect can inspire empathy so that everyone can share the same auditory + visual + tactile experiences.Then Wang played a demo video where a grandfather received a text message containing a video of his grandson. Because the grandfather does not have an unlimited 3G network access, he must watch the video by getting online through a public Wi-Fi service. He has to look for a place that has stronger Wi-Fi signals. At this time, he can know how far the Wi-Fi signals are by feeling the levels of vibration on the device, so that he can avoid the danger of having to watch the screen and walk at the same time. People living in smart homes in the future can use their smart watches or bracelets to control their home appliances such as lights, electronic curtains, and speakers with gestures; and receive feedback through tactile sensations to show whether the appliances has actually received the commands. The strength of the vibration can also represent the volume of sound, etc. Wang randomly selected several participants to personally experience the auditory + visual + tactile sensations, and those who tried it were all amazed by the fantastic and excellent immersive user experiences.For OEMs, incorporating haptic technologies into their products not only can enhance their product differentiation on both the hardware and software sides; these technologies can also create valuable sharing experiences, encouraging consumers to continue using the products. It will drive simultaneous growths for video sharing software, applications, and platforms.Touch designs and experiences of wearable devicesThe recent buzz over wearable devices (smart watches, sports watches, smart bracelets) has inspired numerous applications such as those for text messaging, productivity, social networking, health, fitness records, biosensing, and somatosensory games. Because the wearable devices must be chic, small, and constantly connected to the Internet, some of them do not come with display screens and only use simple LED lights to display information. Tactile senses will come in handy in these cases. Through different vibration frequencies, strengths, melodies and time controls, the skin can feel the incoming of messages instantly. The consumers can privately and discreetly receive notifications, do not have to pick up a cell phone to look at the screen in order to know what types of message was received, and can achieve silent communication.When wearable devices are being designed, factors such as energy consumption, noise, appearance, cost, and unique features must be considered. Immersion's advanced haptic technology can also enable low power consumption and quiet tactile effects, achieved by using small and inexpensive acutators that provide a variety of special responses to create unique and easily distinguishable effects. Therefore, not only can the haptic technology be adopted in text messaging, communication, fitness, health records, and other applications today; it can also be adopted in smart home controls and somatosensory games in order to refine these products even further.Finally, during Wang's Q&A session, he stated that Immersion is a software company that has invested many years of efforts in developing haptic technology and has obtained numerous patents. Its products support Android and other operating systems as well as a host of microcontrollers (MCU). When the content is being shared, the file structures combine video files (such as MP4) and haptic data files (small-size haptic control files) in order to maintain content sharing flexibility. Its haptic technology solutions comprise pure software (equipped with comprehensive API development tools that the hardware vendors can directly incorporate and use) as well as software + hardware solutions (better tactile effect can be produced when used in conjunction with its certified amplifier IC) to provide the most comprehensive and authentic user experiences.Roger Wang, Taiwan country manager of Immersion Corporation

Ever since tech firms started introducing wearable devices - such as the Google Glass, Samsung's and Sony's smart bands and smart watches, and Intel's smart clothing - wearable devices and applications have been identified as an important next-generation technological trend. The tech giants' strategies for the wearables market are also becoming clear.Digitimes and the Taipei Computer Association recently co-organized the "Wearable Technology Summit" to help Taiwan better understand this trend and to help its IT and textile firms seize the opportunities of a new market where they can demonstrate their creativity. Experts from HWTrek, Dialog, Immersion, Qualcomm, Imagination Technologies, Jorjin, Macronix, InteraXon and the Taiwan Textile Research Institute talked about core technologies concerning computing, power consumption, monitoring, wireless connectivity and embedded memory that are needed for wearable devices. There was also a talk on the development of conductive fabric in the textile industry.DTF 2014 Wearable Technology Summit