Category: Wearables

Have you ever imagined how different life could be if the safety features were integrated into everyday items you wear? What if your cherished jewelry could also serve as an effective safety device?

This vision turned into reality a few years back, thanks to Safer — a line of smart jewelry created by Leaf Wearables aimed at enhancing women’s safety while maintaining style and grace.

The Birth of Safer

Safer was launched in 2015 in India, targeting the modern woman who encounters various situations, including students, working professionals, and travelers. The initiative was inspired by the urgent need to boost women’s safety in India, where a sexual assault reportedly happens every 22.5 minutes. Recognizing this alarming statistic, the founders of Safer sought to create a gadget that would empower women to call for assistance when they were in peril.

Features That Matter

Safer products enabled users to send SOS alerts to chosen emergency contacts with just a quick double tap. This feature is crucial in emergencies where making a phone call might not be feasible or secure. The device operated via Bluetooth, connecting to the Safer by Leaf app, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Moreover, the Safer Walk function allowed users to share their real-time location with trusted individuals while on the move, promoting a feeling of safety.

Having these functionalities is significant for many women who often feel exposed when moving through public areas, particularly at night. By keeping family or friends updated on their locations, Safer provided an added level of security.

Pricing and Availability

The jewelry was priced between $52 and $74, requiring only 15 minutes of charging for an entire week of use. The startup successfully sold thousands of Safer devices, reaching markets in Turkey and other countries, alongside India. Their aspiration was to connect with one million families by the close of 2017.

The team was also investigating ways to enhance their products further by potentially adding a modem and SIM card for direct communication. However, it seems something may have gone awry. As of late 2024, Safer products are reportedly no longer for sale. The last update on their Facebook page dates back to 2019.

Market Prospects

The smart jewelry industry is estimated to exceed $350 million in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 16.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.

Safer by Leaf on Facebook, XPrize, CNN

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Two new Casio G-Shock Move timepieces have made their way to the United States: the DWH5600MB1A4 and the DWH5600MB8A9. These models were first released earlier this year in Japan, where they were referred to as the DW-H5600MB-1A4 and the DW-H5600MB-8A9. The original version made its debut in the US last year.

Features and Functionality

The 5600 series multi-sport watches are specifically crafted to assist users in monitoring their workouts. They come equipped with an optical sensor that lets you track your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, along with an accelerometer for counting steps. Users can dive into the Polar smartwatch library for detailed workout analysis and breathing exercises. Additionally, these watches work with Strava. Both models in the 5600 series showcase a MIP LCD screen with Bluetooth capabilities, enabling users to access sleep analysis through the Casio Watches app. On a single charge, these watches can last for about 35 hours, but the solar charging feature should help prolong this time.

Design and Pricing

The DWH5600MB1A4 features a black resin casing and strap, complemented by a black stainless steel bezel. In contrast, the DWH5600MB8A9 boasts a light gray body and band, along with a shiny silver bezel. You can currently purchase the Casio G-Shock Move DWH5600MB1A4 and DWH5600MB8A9 watches in the US for $320. This price point is slightly higher than the original DWH5600-1, which comes with a resin bezel instead of the stainless steel one, and is available for $294.90 on Amazon. It’s still not known if or when these models will be available in other regions like Europe.

Casio

Powering disposable wearables has been a long-standing difficulty because of the dependence on large, short-lived batteries. In response to this, researchers from SUNY Binghamton have created a new type of paper-based moist-electric generator that is designed for disposable wearable devices. This innovation tackles the problem of using sustainable power sources in short-term wearables, which usually struggle due to the presence of heavy and harmful batteries. The generator takes advantage of moisture in the environment to continuously generate power, removing the need for frequent recharges or replacements.

Unique Design Features

The device consists of a biodegradable paper base that is embedded with bacterial endospore biofilms. These biofilms form gradients of functional groups and nanoporous structures, significantly improving moisture capture and ion generation—crucial elements for ongoing electricity production. To enhance its efficiency, the generator incorporates a special hydrophobic-hydrophilic Janus paper layer that effectively gathers ambient moisture and directs it to the generator. This thoughtful design ensures steady power output, even when humidity levels are low.

Eco-Friendly and Scalable

The generator is lightweight, flexible, and designed with the environment in mind, allowing it to perform reliably under different conditions, such as bending and long-term wear. Its ability to be easily scaled up makes it ideal for mass production, providing a budget-friendly alternative for health monitoring and diagnostic tools. Furthermore, its disposable characteristic reduces environmental harm, which is crucial in addressing the rising issue of electronic waste.

This innovative technology has the potential to transform real-time health monitoring by making personalized medicine not only more accessible but also environmentally friendly, a vital aspect in today’s world.

Wiley Online Library via EurekAlert

Casio has partnered with the French fashion label A.P.C. to introduce two exciting new watch models in Europe: the A1000ACD-7 and the A1000ACG-9. These unisex watches are part of Casio’s Vintage collection and boast a design that echoes the classic A1000, which first hit the market in the 1970s.

Design Features

Both the A1000ACD-7 and A1000ACG-9 feature an LCD display, a reflective dial, and a robust stainless steel octagonal case and strap. The back of each watch case proudly displays the A.P.C. logo, while the adjustable clasp on the bracelet also features the brand’s mark. The A1000ACD-7 comes in a sleek silver finish, whereas the A1000ACG-9 shines in a golden hue.

Functionality

In terms of functionality, these watches share the same features as other models in the A1000 range, like the A1000M-1BEF, which is currently priced at €84 on Amazon. Notable features include a stopwatch that measures to 1/100th of a second, a daily alarm, hourly chimes, and an automatic calendar. The Casio Super Illuminator LED backlight enhances visibility in low-light conditions. Additionally, these watches are designed to be accurate within a margin of 30 seconds per month and can operate for up to three years on a CR1616 battery. You can purchase the A.P.C. Casio A1000ACD-7 for €169 and the A1000ACG-9 for €189. However, it’s still uncertain if or when these watches will be available in other regions like the US or the UK.

Conclusion

Casio’s collaboration with A.P.C. brings a fresh perspective to its Vintage collection, blending fashion and functionality in these stylish timepieces. With their classic look and modern features, the A1000ACD-7 and A1000ACG-9 are set to attract attention from watch enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.