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Smartwatches, wristbands, and other solutions such as health monitors and smartwatches will continue growing. This year, the number of connected wearable devices has surpassed one billion.
These wearables are full of exciting technology. Learn more about how to incorporate wearables into your existing application. This guide will answer all your questions regarding wearable application development.
Explained What Miserable App Development Is?
Before we dive into making a wearable app, let's first answer a critical question: What are wearables exactly? Wearables can either be worn as an accessory or part of clothing.
These devices can be connected to smartphones to exchange data.
Wearable apps can be used to receive data from wearable devices. These apps have access to the hardware and operating system of the device.
These sensors collect data and transfer it to the programmed App for the desired outcome. Today, there are many choices for wearables on the market. Smartwatches, activity trackers, fitness bands, smart glasses, and smart watches are essential daily.
Over time, their popularity will only increase.
What Is The Difference Between Mobile And Wearable Apps?
While wearable apps might look similar to mobile apps, some differences exist.
- Although mobile applications have more functionality than apps on the phone, they offer limited functionality.
- Users will be less likely to interact with each other and input less often
- In the background, many processes occur
- Wearable apps can't be cross-platform as they use device-specific APIs
Let's quickly look at the most popular types of Wearable Devices
- Smartwatches: have become the most popular wearable device. Smartwatches eliminate the need for a smartphone. Smartwatches can do many things, including reading and writing messages, setting alarms, setting notifications, tracking your physical activity, and setting up notifications.
- Fitness Trackers: monitor your physical activity. These devices can track steps, calories, and sleep. Notifications and fitness trackers are just a few of the features available on the smartphone.
- The Best Examples Of These Devices Are Head-Mounted Displays: or VR glasses. These devices can provide AR (Augmented Reality Information) or VR (Virtual Reality Information).
- Bright Jewellery: Intelligent rings are among the most famous examples of innovative jewelry. These tiny devices track your activity and send it to smartphones for further interaction.
There are many types of wearables, including intelligent and implantable clothing. Wearables are becoming more popular among healthcare professionals.
With glucose monitors, patients can check their glucose levels. Diagnostic trackers can detect muscle activity, body temperature, and chronic diseases. Wearable technology is a regular part of our everyday lives.
They can help users plan their days, track their activity, and monitor their sleep.
These Are 10 Of The Most Famous Wearable Apps That Have Millions Of Users Worldwide:
Let's discuss your future applications.
- Calm
The App helps users relax and get better sleep. This App offers soothing music, images, breathing exercises, and meditation tips.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
- Spotify
A wearable version of the popular music app is available. Your smartphone can be taken with you while you run, jog, or walk, and you can listen to your favorite music.
You can make playlists, share them and find new music. All this from your smartwatch or wrist.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
- 7-Minute Workout
This App is a lifesaver for users who don't want to exercise for hours. The 7-Minute Fitness app offers 12 intense workouts, timed training, and rest periods.
You can exercise at your own pace and choose a plan that best suits you.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
- Google Keep
Google Keep is available on different platforms, including wearables. This solution allows you to create notes on your smartwatch without taking your phone out of your pocket.
You can also create shopping lists and set reminders. You can organize your notes by type.
Supported Platforms: Watchos And Android Wear
- Uber
Uber also has a wearable app. You can use your smartwatch to book a taxi, check your ride's status, share information, and call emergency services.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
A wearable app does not have to be a fitness app. These and other examples show that wearable apps are not limited to fitness apps.
They can also be used in other industries for different purposes.
- Calculator
Pulling your phone out of your pocket for a calculator cannot be enjoyable. Android Wear smartwatch owners can use an app to accomplish this task.
It can also perform scientific calculations (trigonometric, square root).
- Cardiogram
A cardiogram is one example of a wearable app that can monitor healthcare. This solution is available for Android Wear and watchOS.
It tracks your heartbeat, sleep, stress, fitness, and even your minute-to-minute heartbeat. It also shows possible causes of irregular heartbeats.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
- Telegram
The free messaging service also offers a wearable version. You can view your chat history and reply to them using stickers, emojis, and preset phrases.
Even though the functionality is limited, users can dictate answers with their voices.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
- Strava
This App is one of the most popular fitness apps for mobile and wearables. This App tracks your running or biking sessions.
The App tracks the route via GPS and LTE so that users don't need to leave their phones at home. Track your ride speed, distance, elevation, and calories burned during activities.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
- Google Maps
Access the world-famous maps service from your wearable device. It allows users to navigate to desired destinations, calculate distances and provide alternate routes.
Supported Platforms: Android Wear and watchOS
These are just some of the many apps you will find for wearables on the App Store or Play Market.
Types Of On-Demand Wearable Apps And Devices
Wearable app development, based on IoT technology and highly user-centric, is a great option for businesses looking to personalize customer experiences.
Each year, the most popular trends in wearable app development are evolving to influence technological change in new ways. They also provide more sophistication and effectiveness as they evolve.
Here's a list of the top wearable apps and devices which are always in style and use.
1. Smartwatches
Statista predicts that smartwatches will be the most used wearable device, reaching 253 million in 2025. The wearable app solution allows users to leverage features like pedometers, fitness trackers, and notifications.
Smartwatches have sensor-related functions that improve the user experience and allow for innovative features and rich apps. Apple Watch is a prime example of iOS wearable app design.
The key features of smartwatches:
- Monitor heart rate
- Activity tracker and calories
- SpO2 monitoring
- ECG and ECHO app functions
2. Smart Eyewear
Wearable technology devices such as smart glasses and eyewear will be the next major technological breakthrough.
They integrate data with objects that the user sees. Smart glasses can collect data from internal and external sensors and support wireless technologies like Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS.
The following are key features of smart eyewear
- Information assessing
- Visual tracking
- Communication and storage of data
3. Fitness
Fitbits, also known as fitness bands, are a great way for fitness enthusiasts to keep track of their daily activities and movements.
The app collects all data and converts it into daily routines, sleep quality, and steps. Fitbit users can create wearable apps for Fitbits to help them set goals, monitor their health, connect with friends, and modify the interface.
Fitbit's key features:
- Health Metric
- Rate of breathing
- Monitoring oxygen saturation and other information
4. Head-Mounted Displays
AR/VR glasses, based on wearable app development solutions, are the most obvious examples of head-mounted displays.
They can monitor and provide users with information in the virtual ecosystem. You might also be interested in the AR/VR trends and wearables predictions for the next years
Despite this, other types of wearable devices and apps are less well-known, like smart and implantable clothing.
The healthcare industry is focusing on the development of wearable apps for healthcare. Patients can track their glucose levels with glucose monitors, for example. Diverse diagnostic trackers can detect muscle activity, body temperature, and chronic diseases.
Not only is custom wearable device development useful for healthcare, but there are many other uses and applications.
Let's look at other industries that can benefit from app development for wearable device apps.
The Most Promising Industries for Wearable Apps
Wearable apps can be fashionable and useful for brands when targeting customers who wear them regularly and want their functionality.
Let's take a look at industries that use wearable apps.
- Healthcare
Wearable devices have a lot of potential for the healthcare industry. They enable doctors to monitor and diagnose patients' health.
These devices can gather data from sensors such as heart rate or glucose levels. These apps are intended to diagnose rare diseases and improve healthcare services quickly.
Healthcare can be provided by many wearable devices such as smartwatches, glucose monitors, and diagnostic chips.
Examples: VeriSense, Aira Tech, Qardio, Hexoskin
- Fitness
Fitness apps are the most popular wearable application on the market. You can use apps to track your health and body.
You can track your daily activities with smartwatches and fitness trackers, including running, jogging, and other activities. You can also calculate calories and measure distance.
Examples: Google Fit, Runkeeper, Nike+, Strava,
- Outdoor Navigation
Google Maps, the leader in mobile technology, is compatible with all platforms. These smartwatches have more technology than ever before, including GPS and Gyroscopes.
It is possible to create standalone outdoor navigation apps.
- Messaging
Smartwatches allow you to leave your home without using a smartphone. They can be used entirely without a smartphone and are more helpful than messaging apps.
Examples: Telegrams and Coffee, Skype
- Education
Wearable technology can be used for more than just cell phones. These programs can also create augmented and virtual reality eyewear like Google Glass.
Students can now explore the world and study molecules with AR and VR. They can also study human anatomy and disorders.
Examples: ImmerseMe. Ocean Rift. Mondly
- Entertainment
Many reasons can be used for wearable devices. You can listen to music and podcasts while running or commuting. There are many options for creating the next Spotify on your smartwatch.
Examples: Spotify. Apple Music. Shazam.
- Insurance
Insurance fraud is a severe problem. Insurance companies could benefit from wearable devices if they could access data from smartwatches and fitness trackers.
These solutions are already available, as demonstrated by the collaboration between UnitedHealthcare (an insurance company that makes fitness trackers) and Fitbit.
Example: Attain
- Fintech
Wearable technology can potentially be advantageous to the banking sector. NFC sensors are used to enable contactless payments in smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Examples: Apple Pay, Google Pay
Read More: Wearable App Development: Architectures, App Types, Business Opportunities [2023 Guide]
This Comprehensive Guide Will Help You Create A Wearable App
Before you can start creating wearable apps, there are a few things you need to do. It's not just about programming.
Knowing what type of App you want to make, which architectures are available, and how to locate a trustworthy mobile app development company is essential.
Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Create A Wearable Application:
Create An App Idea
It is one thing to make an app. But it's another to invent an app. It's much more challenging to envision a different value proposition than one already in place.
This stage requires extensive market research, creating buyer personas, competitor analysis, and many other tasks. The results of this stage will have a significant impact on your business.
Start by identifying your users' needs. Wearable apps are designed to make life easier for users. Understanding the benefits of using an app that can be worn on your body is essential.
Conduct Market Research And Compare Competitors
Once you have found your niche, it is time to conduct a deeper market analysis. Begin by looking at the most used applications in your area.
Next, analyze their strengths and limitations. This will allow you to understand your competitors and offer better solutions for users.
Once you have established your business needs, you can begin to plan your business model.
Locate A Vendor To Develop Wearable Apps
Intelligent technologies require professionals with deep expertise in relevant fields. You can build your dream team with access to a global talent pool.
You can choose the right offshore outsourcing company for your project based on your requirements, price, culture, and other factors.
These tips will help you choose the right vendor for your next project.
- Are You Searching For A Company?: Start looking for companies that can create wearable technology. You can find vendors through directory sites like Clutch or firms. These directories offer information on thousands of companies worldwide, allowing users to filter their search by price tag, location, relevant experience, etc. These platforms are an excellent way to narrow down companies you might be interested in.
- Search For The Best Prospects: There are likely hundreds of companies who could be great partners in your project. Some companies may not be able to do the job. Look for companies that have experience, positive customer reviews, and are affordable.
- Interview Prospects: After identifying a minimum of ten vendors, conduct more profound research on the shortlisted candidates. Review previous collaborations and then interview them directly.
- Based on previous experience, communication methods, location, and pricing tag
Choose a Wearable App Type
There are many options available for designing a wearable device. Each one is different in functionality, independence from mobile devices, and how they operate.
Let's have a look at some.
- Standalone App: This wearable app runs on a device and connects to Wi-Fi. You can use standalone apps independently from mobile devices.
- Companion Apps: can be worn as an app to complement mobile apps. They have limited functionality and require regular or constant data exchange with a smartphone app.
- Faces: a lock screen made for smartwatches is custom-made. It is not an app.
- Glances: These cards display the most recent updates to mobile apps and are easy to access for users at a glance.
- Notifications: These solutions limit push notifications from smartphones to wearable applications.
In most cases, business owners create standalone and companion apps for wearables. These apps can be used independently of mobile devices and accomplish many tasks.
There are many options when it comes to installing wearable applications.
- These can be downloaded via an app store for wearables
- These can be installed on your smartphone
- A phone that does not have an app installed indicates that the device is not sending information.
Before you start development, it is important to understand the type of application that you are trying to create.
This will help you save time and money and prevent costly re-dos.
Select From The Following Features
Let's look at the most important features of wearable app development.
Smartphone Module
When we speak of wearable app service, we usually mean two apps for a smartphone and one for a watch. A container app is necessary if you want to create your own standalone App.
This App manages the setup and installation. You can download apps from stores with Wi-Fi connectivity on most smartwatches. An existing mobile app can be used as a companion app or both.
UI Controls and UX
Mobile app development differs from wearable design in that it considers screen size. Because of the small size of wearables, micro-layouts are required.
You can create a great user experience by providing only the necessary information, limiting the number of buttons on the screen, and using concise text.
Some devices, like the Samsung Gear series, can navigate the menu with the rotating bezel. The Apple Watch also has a digital crown.
You must be familiar with these elements to make the most of these platforms. This will help you avoid unnecessary details.
Navigation
Wearables can also be used to provide a great user experience. Smartwatches often have gestures that allow you to navigate between screens and select items.
Many ways can be done the same way, which makes it easy for users to accept.
Push Notifications
Wearables can be carried around with you at all times. These devices can be used for reminders about upcoming events, scheduled calls, and sessions.
Push notifications should be available for wearable applications. Push notifications allow you to show complete text messages and preview an upcoming event.
Voice Commands
Your App can be integrated into specific wearable devices with voice assistants. Android Wear devices, such as the watchOS and Android Wear, can use an assistant from Google.
You can integrate with their API to add voice command support for your wearable App. This feature is excellent for workout apps.
They would allow users to set timers or control other App features. Depending on the solution you are looking for, an app may offer additional features.
Choose the Tech Stack
This stage is critical. It is essential to identify the platform that you are targeting. You can work closely with the vendor to choose the right technology stack, SDKs, and other solutions.
Development, Launch & Maintenance
Once you have decided on the platform type, it is time to move on to the development stage. This phase is the most complex and time-consuming.
You will need to involve QA engineers in testing and fixing bugs. After the App is complete, it is submitted to app marketplaces. A marketing campaign promotes the App to the target audience.
Your App is only the beginning of your work. You must update your App to add new features or fix bugs.
Avoiding the Worries of Wearable App Design
It is possible to run into many problems when designing a wearable app. Experienced wearable app developers can help you solve any issue with a plan.
Here are some possible problems that arise when creating an app.
- Privacy and Data Security: It doesn't matter if you are developing a wearable device or a mobile app. You need to consider data security and privacy. Each wearable platform has its requirements. These requirements must be met if you want your application to appear in the App Store by Apple.
- Wearable Devices That Drain Their Batteries Within An Hour Or Less Will Not Be Used: The battery life of wearable devices is limited.
- Ergonomic User Interface: Because of the small screen size, designing an app that can be worn is tough. The user interface must be small and straightforward to use.
- Customized Notifications: Small screens cannot display long messages. Wearable platform notifications must be explicitly created. You have two options: one-word or two-word letters.
What Does it Cost to Develop a Wearable Application?
It is a complex task to determine how much it costs to create a wearable application. Based on your project requirements, the average cost to develop a wearable app/device is $50,000 to 250,000.
We are not estimating the total cost of developing a wearable application, but we are looking at all aspects. The final cost of wearable application development is determined by factors such as the wearable app features, wearable tech stack, outsourced company for wearable device development, and the complexity of your wearable apps.
As the complexity and functionality of your app increase, so does the cost. Experts recommend hiring a trusted wearable app development agency to ensure a smoother development process and overcome all technical hurdles.
Wearable App Design: Is It Worth It?
The future of wearable apps is bright.
Staying current with technology and gaining market share through quality products is a clear advantage. Wearable apps are a great addition to your mobile App.
