Wearable tech: beyond the wrist

With the influx of new wearable tech products on the market, fitness and activity trackers have progressed well beyond wristbands, targeting specific body parts or the body as a whole.

Here, we introduce some of the more inventive ones we’ve found recently.

1. FINIS Neptune

For some people, music is an indispensable part of their runs or workout routines. The same goes for swimmers; the right soundtrack may very well help them power through those last few laps. Swim equipment company FINIS has released Neptune, an earbud-less waterproof MP3 player that attaches unobtrusively to goggle straps and 'conducts' sound through the cheekbone directly into the inner ear.

2. OMsignal

Instead of having to strap on several different fitness trackers and gadgets, why not just throw on a shirt and be done with it? That was the thinking behind OMsignal’s line of high-performance biometric smartwear. Sensors are woven into the fabric of their compression shirts that measure your breathing, heart rate and activity levels and then relay the information to your smartphone.

3. Misfit Shine

Of all the fitness trackers on the market, Misfit Shine stands out for its minimalist design and versatility – it can be clipped onto your waistband, neckline, wrist, shoelaces or even slipped into your pocket. This lightweight, handy device also does not need charging. It is a waterproof fitness tracker, watch and sleep monitor in one, allowing users to set goals and track progress when running, cycling or doing other various sports activities.

4. Sensoria Fitness Socks

Targeted at runners of any level, the fabric of Sensoria Fitness Socks is infused with sensors that work in tandem with a magnetic, detachable anklet that tracks speed, distance, cadence and foot landing technique, among other measurements.  The device guides runners to improve their technique through real-time audio cues.

5. Withings Smart Body Analyser

Are you really overweight, or is your weight just a number? The Withings Smart Body Analyser can tell you, as it measures not only weight but also fat mass, body composition, heart rate, BMI and even air quality.

6. Boogio Bionic Foot Sensor

The Boogio foot sensors come as a set of two foot pads and a lightweight sensory device that can be clipped onto your shoes, tracking your movements from the ground up. Beyond its fitness applications, the Boogio senses centre of balance, gravitational force and 3D acceleration, allowing you to sync with your smartphone to play mobile or online games.

7. Jabra Sport Pulse™ Wireless

Earphone wires can be quite a pain to deal with when you are out for a run. Not only do these sleek wireless earphones stay out of the way - looped around the back of your neck - they also incorporate an in-ear precision heart monitor and voice coaching.

8. Vanhawks Valour Smart Bike

With GPS-enabled cars the norm nowadays, it is little wonder that the people behind the Vanhawks Valour have found a way to integrate technology with the humble bicycle. This smart bike connects with your smartphone to receive GPS directions with built-in turn-by-turn navigation, track your trip, and even detect blind spots.

9. Tory Burch for Fitbit Range

The aesthetics of wearable tech seems to be a major complaint among consumers; often, wearables are not very easy on the eyes. Tory Burch has recently teamed up with Fitbit to produce a range of beautifully worked stainless steel necklaces, cuffs and bangles that seamlessly incorporate the tiny Fitbit Flex fitness tracker.

10. Muse Headband

Is it possible to 'train' your brain, much like how one trains the body? The Muse headband guides you through focused-attention and mindfulness exercises and measures your brain signals, providing live, trackable feedback. Muse’s developers say the device can help you become more resistant towards distractions and develop improved focus, so you feel calmer as a result. The headband is compact enough for you to take three minutes out of your lunch hour to sit at your desk and unwind.