10 Most Expected Wearable Devices in 2016

8. Garmin Varia Vision

Expected to hit the stores in the first quarter of the year, Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN)’s Varia Vision is the latest of smart gadgets designed for bikers. Unlike existing heads-up display (HUD) units, Varia Vision does not come with its own sunglasses but can be mounted on existing ones.

The lightweight HUD does not have GPS but powerful radars – compatible with Garmin Edge 520 or Garmin Edge 1000 – that allow riders to detect incoming cars from behind. With the Edge unit, the Varia Vision can point out nearby turns and street names as well as indicate distances between turns. Varia Vision adjusts to whichever side it is placed so riders can decide based on where they are entirely comfortable with, and without fear of the unit blocking their peripheral vision.

One of its main features is the glove-friendly touch panel that lets riders switch displays on the move easily. It is water-resistant, so it’s perfect for any weather. The Garmin Varia Vision also boasts of ambient lighting that adjusts according to the outdoor brightness, ensuring visibility for the rider no matter how sunny or gloomy a day is.

Another main feature is its vibrating technology, which notifies the users of incoming calls, texts, and other information without having to check their smartphones and take their eyes off the road in doing so. Cyclists will also definitely love the reported 8-hour battery life, about twice the hours of its rivals.

Wearable devices have gained traction for Garmin lately and in its latest financial report, the fitness segment accounted for 20% of the company’s total sales and was the only segment that registered a 23% annual growth in sales to $143 million, while the auto segment, even though totalled $265 million, posted a 14% decline in sales. Moreover, the company expects the fitness segment to maintain strong growth in the near future.

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