Christmas beckons. For many the festive celebrations go hand in hand with excess, whether it is that fourth serving of pigs in blankets or a few mulled wines in a picturesque Cotswold pub.
However, this year will see an increasing number of people using wearable technology to counter-balance the excess, by monitoring their boxing day walk or swim in the Bristol Channel to ensure those calories are burned off.
We will also see an increasing number of wearable technology gifts, as the market embraces this gadget revolution.
Momentum in the wearable market
We’ve had basic wearable technologies available for some time, with devices such as Nike+ released in 2006, but the industry is still under-developed.
Yes, the much-debated 2014 Gartner hype cycle for emerging technologies suggests wearable user interface hype may have already peaked, but there are other compatible technologies coming through, such as biochips and connected homes, which should lead to the rise of new wearable technologies alongside the more established concepts such as health monitoring. This momentum can only be furthered by the development of the Internet of Things.
“There has been no market disrupting app, meaning the opportunity remains appealing to big tech firms and startups alike”
Gadgets like the fitbit and Jawbone Up are increasingly common sights in daily use. There are fashion designers focusing on high-end appearance alongside the tech, with the development of smart rings and lockets. Google of course have Glass. But there has been no market disrupting app, meaning the opportunity remains appealing to big tech firms and startups alike.
Get positive
When speaking to businesses, it is only too easy to focus on negatives and identify the issues with wearable technology (particularly if you’re a lawyer!) or to pass this off as a fad, but the potential innovation and benefits are too important to ignore.
I’d be lying if I said there are no concerns on the legal front but it would be remiss of businesses to shy away from using or developing wearable technologies. So in order to push boundaries and maximise the benefits, businesses need to be aware of the risks.
The main concerns identified relate to data protection and confidentiality. Wearable technology will be a great data source – tracking movements, exercising habits, connected household appliances and even the things people see in their day-to-day lives.
The Data Protection Act governs and restricts the use of certain data and, importantly, forthcoming changes will see more of a requirement for express consent relating to the collection and use of data.
Confidence in confidentiality
Alongside data protection, confidentiality is a key concern. Wearable technology will be able to collect a considerable amount of sensitive information so businesses will need to develop procedures to monitor and secure this, whether it is ensuring confidential health information remains confidential or limiting employee misuse through data theft by covert recordings.
“As the adoption of wearable technology gathers pace, so will the need for businesses to review their employee contract provisions alongside HR, IT and Risk policies”
As the adoption of wearable technology gathers pace, so will the need for businesses to review their employee contract provisions alongside HR, IT and Risk policies. A joined-up approach should be taken because internal IT teams will become increasingly important in the management of employees.
Similarly, IT input will be needed for outward contracts in order to manage the level of customer permissions and the security and management of the data collected. So if you’re in a business likely to embrace these new technologies, perhaps spend a little more time with your IT teams in the new year – like it or not, you will be seeing more of them in future!
For now, perhaps just enjoy those extra helpings, forget about the calories and leave the new fitness tracker in its box – as good as the technology may be, it will be useless without the appropriate new year resolutions!
Chris Dyson is a partner in the Technology Team at Ashfords LLP, advising a broad range of UK and international businesses including high growth companies and renowned technology investment funds.
He has particular expertise in the technology sector, advising a wide range of UK and overseas clients including investment funds, established companies, startups and spin-outs.
You can email Chris here.
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