The Most Amazing Wearable Tech of 2014

Hoodies that send text messages, wristwatches that run iOS and contact lenses that protect against the harmful rays of the sun were all once considered gadgets of the future. However, recent advancements have turned these tech tools into a reality. Some consider this to be the beginning of the end of humanity, where the line between human and machine begins to blur, whereas others believe that it is an extraordinary advancement that will turn is into more powerful humans. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, one thing is for certain: wearable tech is here to stay.

Smart Hoodie

Imagine a world where a sweater can both keep you warm and send text messages for you. The Smart Hoodie, created by NYU grad students Rucha Patwardhan and Alina Balean, is technically still in demo mode. The plan is to create a hooded sweatshirt with a GSM radio sewn in that responds to a person's gestures. In other words, if you want to send a text that says "I love you" to your significant other all you'll have to do is roll up your sleeve or touch the hood, explains The Verge. This Smart Hoodie also may be able to save lives with the text-to-911 feature that is currently in the works.

iWatch

Apple is known for its sci-fi inspired creations—the iPad looks almost identical to the tablets seen in Star Trek. And, the company has done it again with iWatch. It's believed that the official introduction for this wearable tech will take place in late 2014, comments Mac Rumors. Little is known about this long awaited tech tool, but it is likely that the iWatch will be an iOS-friendly watch that is compatible with the iPhone, reports Tech Radar. That means that this wearable tech will make it easier to check incoming notifications and messages without having to pull out your devices. However, it's expected that the iWatch won't be as sophisticated as the iPhone 6, which, according to Apple Insider, has a release date of October 14, 2014.

Speaker Clutch

We've got futuristic clothing and accessories, what more do we need? Well, apparently Rebecca Minkoff thought we needed a more modern version of the clutch. Created for the brand Stellé Audio Couture, edgy clutches with Blutooth-enabled wireless speakers inside are already available at Nordstrom. This conversation piece comes in navy blue, forest green, hot pink and silver and has a retail price of $400, says Cosmopolitan. If you want to bring the music with you wherever you go, this speaker and clutch hybrid is for you.

UV-Protection Lenses

The Acuvue Oasys brand has developed contact lenses that protect against harmful UV rays by blocking 96 percent of UV-A rays and 99 percent of UV-B rays, says Vision Direct. In addition, contact lenses create a full barrier over a large part of the surface of the eye and the entire cornea as opposed to many sunglasses that do not protect the eyes from solar radiation that comes in from the sides or around this type of eyewear, says the American Optometric Association.
It is difficult to predict exactly where wearable tech will take us simply because it has the potential to encompass many aspects of our lives. It is reasonable to expect that this type of technology will improve various industries, particularly the medical and communication sector. Business Insider mentions that the goal of wearable tech has always been to improve our awareness without getting in the way of social interactions. If this proves true, wearable technology will inevitably allow us to have more control of our surrounding environment.