Start here · Essential guide
Wearables and Personal Connected Devices: A Plain Guide
A plain overview of wearable devices: what they sense, how they sync data to a phone and the cloud, and what their readings can and cannot tell you.
Everyday Life
Connected gadgets worn or carried every day.
Start here · Essential guide
A plain overview of wearable devices: what they sense, how they sync data to a phone and the cloud, and what their readings can and cannot tell you.
General guidance on charging routines for wearable batteries, and the features, temperatures and habits that typically shorten battery life between charges.
An educational overview of home medical devices such as glucose and blood pressure monitors: how they measure, share data and why results need context.
How fitness trackers estimate steps, movement and activity from motion sensors, and why two devices can report different numbers for the same day.
How wrist-worn optical sensors detect your pulse with light, and the situations such as intense exercise, loose straps and cold skin where readings get less reliable.
How small location trackers help find lost keys, pets and bags using Bluetooth, crowd networks, satellite positioning or cellular, and the privacy questions they raise.
How wearables and bedside devices estimate sleep from movement and pulse, what sleep stages and scores really mean, and why these estimates have limits.
A plain comparison of smartwatches, smart rings and smart glasses: what sensors each can carry, typical battery life, comfort and which suits different needs.
Follow wearable data from sensor to phone to cloud and beyond, see who may have access along the way, and learn which privacy settings are worth reviewing.
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