Some people may think that Apple is lagging behind in the 'wearable technology' space - but they may actually be ahead of everyone else.
As a tech enthusiast, there seems to be a lot of attention given to 'wearable technology'. An Apple iWatch has been rumored since shortly after the iPhone, Google has come out with Google Glass, and Nike and Samsung are among numerous companies making devices we wear on our wrists.
Where's Apple?
Introducing: Made for iPhone Hearing Aids
Just a tiny note in the bottom right corner of the iOS6 release features.
Over 30 million people have a substantial amount of hearing loss in the United States - it's a big market.
A lot of people may dismiss hearing aids because they consider them ugly, clunky, and associate them with a disability. That may have been the case upwards of 5 years ago, but now hearing aids are tiny, sleek, and sound amazing.
In fact, as someone who is around hearing aids a lot and does not have hearing loss - I use them as wireless headphones every chance I get. It's like having your own private theater.
Right now Apple is teaming up with hearing aid manufacturers, but I wouldn't doubt for a second that they are considering building some personal sound devices of their own.
Anyone remember the Apple HiFi?
There are a ton of amazing applications for personal sound devices.
- Siri would live in your head.
- A sensor in the earpiece could easily measure body temperature.
- Wireless headphones.
- Tinnitus treatment/masking application.
- Monitoring ambient noise level to let you know if its getting dangerously loud.
- Stream customized public service announcements.
- Receive driving or walking directions without getting out your phone.
- Combine Siri + iBeacon + Personal Sound Device for amazing custom experiences.
Hearing aids that look like something Angela Ahrendts (recent Apple hire, ex-CEO of Burberry) might sell.
Wearable technology is here, and the exciting stuff is not on your wrist.