Radiation-blocking underwear and bionic contact lenses: The 5 weirdest wearables of 2015
Some push the boundaries of science fiction, while others are just silly
Wearable technology has exploded in recent years, bringing with it everything from useful, stylish jackets with built-in bicycle helmets to the Apple Watch, tech-enabled rings and (and now mostly forgotten) Google Glasses.
Today, there are dozens of items that push the boundaries of science fiction, while others are just silly.
Here are some weird ones from 2015:
1. Bionic contact lenses
Ever want to see perfectly without glasses or laser eye surgery? A B.C. optometrist thinks the future is bright for Ocumetrics Bionic Lenses. Dr. Garth Webb says the surgical implant would allow people to see better and farther, and would make eye glasses, contact lenses and laser eye surgery obsolete.
He hopes clinical trials will start in the next couple of years.
2. Radiation-blocking underwear
For those worried about radiation from technology affecting their reproductive health, Riparo underwear proposes a solution — but only if you wear men's briefs, (Maybe more styles are on the way.)
The company says these undies block 99.9 per cent of electromagnetic radiation, allowing the wearer peace of mind that they will be able to procreate.
Think of it as like wearing one of those vests the dentist gives you before an X-ray, but underneath your clothes.
3. Tech tattoos
Further down the sci-fi rabbit hole, you will find Biotech tattoos. These tattoos would do the same thing as, say, wearable fitness tracker bracelets, but they would be temporarily etched into the user's skin.
For now, Austin-based Chaotic Moon is focusing on temporary tattoos, but permanent ones could be a possibility in the near future.
4. Brain sensors
Not necessarily limited to 2015, these wearable headset brain sensors claim to do everything from stress relief and easing migraine pain to helping the wearer meditate, enter a lucid dream state and improve concentration.
Whether they are more than just the modern equivalent of snake oil remains to be seen. But if you want to look like you're an extra in the latest Wachowski siblings' movie, you can get your hands on one of these for about $100-$200.
5. Tomaton
This backpack-like machine force-feeds the wearer tomatoes as they walk or run. A whimsical rather than actual product (hopefully), this bizarre but cute little bot is part of a marketing campaign for Japanese tomato juice company Kagome.