Wednesday, December 7, 2016

6 Ways That Smartphones Simplify Our Lives

Society has been slow to embrace smartwatches. The NPD Group estimates that just one in 10 American adults will own one by the end of 2016. Smartwatch owners don’t mind being in the minority, though. They’re just happy to enjoy all the ways that these wearable devices simplify their lives.
Image via Flickr by Janitors

Smartwatches Can Help You Stay Organized

Keeping track of reservations and other obligations while traveling can prove difficult, but smartwatches can simplify these tasks. Norwegian independent research firm SINTEF has researched how smartwatches can help children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manage their lives. “Our experience is that it takes time to set the systems up and that using them can sometimes be difficult,” admitted researcher Øystein Dale. “But we can also claim that these are aids that can be of benefit to these groups.”

Smartwatches use sounds, text, and images to remind wearers of upcoming appointments and other key information. Since smartwatches are worn, you’re more likely to see a smartwatch alert than one sent to a smartphone or tablet. If smartwatches can be so beneficial to children who struggle with organizational skills, just imagine how useful they’ll be in keeping your travel schedule straight!

Android Smartwatches Integrate With Google

You’re probably already using Google to simplify your life, so it’s worth noting that Android smartwatches like the Samsung Gear S2 integrate with popular Google functions. When you want to know your hotel’s address, simply use the “OK Google” voice command. OK Google also lets you set a reminder for a tour you’ve booked while also setting an alarm so that you don’t miss the bus. Google Maps displays directions on your watch, making it simpler for you to navigate unfamiliar cities.

Smartwatches Integrate With Other Smart Devices

As the Internet of Things grows, smartwatches will become even more valuable tools for simplifying your life. Already we’re hearing of people controlling the volume of their stereo systems and turning lights on and off with just a tap on the wrist. This process is much quicker and simpler than retrieving your phone to perform the same functions.

Smartwatches Can Display Vital Information

Most of us have so many cards, vouchers, and other items in our wallets that we waste time fumbling for the things we need. Smartwatches can help. Apps like Stocard and QuickBar let you store your loyalty card bar codes on your smartwatch. At last year’s Spring Forward event, Tim Cook demonstrated how a boarding pass could even be loaded onto the Apple Watch and used to pass through airport security. This kind of technology is in its infancy, but we’re likely to see more companies using this smartwatch capability.

Many Smartwatches Are Built for Life

Most tech gadgets, including tablets and smartphones, are a bit fragile. You have to be careful if you’re using them by the pool or in a dusty environment. Smartwatches are built to withstand the punishments of daily life, so they’re more forgiving. Many are certified to withstand water for a certain period of time, so you can comfortably take them to the poolside. You’ll also find many dustproof smartwatch models.

Smartwatches Help You Stay Connected to the Real World

How many times have you seen a group of people engrossed in their smartphones, failing to interact with one another or the world around them? While these devices are certainly useful, they tend to disengage us from the world and from our companions.

It’s already socially acceptable to glance at a watch now and again to monitor the time. It takes the same amount of time to look at your smartwatch to get information, so you can check it while staying connected with your environment.

It’s easy to miss smartphone notifications when they sound in your bag or pocket, leading you to check your device more frequently, whether you need to or not. Since you wear a smartwatch, you’ll tend to only check it when there’s something to see. That means you’ll spend more time living life rather than looking at a screen — a real plus when you’re on vacation.

Much more than just being timepieces, smartwatches are powerful devices that can simplify our lives in these ways, among many more.

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