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#wearable-technology — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #wearable-technology, aggregated by home.social.

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  1. Meta’s smartglasses mean any child can be covertly filmed. In the age of AI, how do we tackle that risk?
    By Gaby Hinsliff

    The company argues that it’s for individuals to ensure they don’t ‘actively exploit’ this technology. That won’t keep children safe

    theguardian.com/commentisfree/

    #Wearabletechnology #Meta #Technology #Childprotection #Privacy #Society #Children #Worldnews #TheGuardian #GabyHinsliff

  2. Meta’s smartglasses mean any child can be covertly filmed. In the age of AI, how do we tackle that risk?
    By Gaby Hinsliff

    The company argues that it’s for individuals to ensure they don’t ‘actively exploit’ this technology. That won’t keep children safe

    theguardian.com/commentisfree/

    #Wearabletechnology #Meta #Technology #Childprotection #Privacy #Society #Children #Worldnews #TheGuardian #GabyHinsliff

  3. DATE: July 18, 2026 at 02:00PM
    SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

    ** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
    -------------------------------------------------

    TITLE: A tactile wearable device suggests promising results for extending total sleep time

    URL: psypost.org/a-tactile-wearable

    Recent research published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth suggests that a wearable device delivering gentle vibrations to the body can help people sleep longer. The findings provide evidence that this non-invasive technology tends to significantly increase total sleep time, especially for individuals who typically struggle to get a full night of rest. This approach offers a promising, medication-free option for addressing chronic sleep shortages and improving overall health.

    A significant portion of the global population fails to get enough sleep each night. In the United States, roughly 70 million adults sleep six hours or less on a regular basis. Medical professionals refer to this condition as chronic short sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults obtain at least seven hours of sleep per night to maintain optimal physical and mental well-being.

    Falling short of this recommendation is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Chronic lack of sleep tends to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and mood disturbances. It can also impair cognitive functions like memory consolidation and daily concentration. Because of these substantial health risks, many individuals actively seek out methods to extend their nightly rest.

    Historically, people have turned to behavioral changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medications to improve their rest. Prescription sleep medications can be highly effective at inducing sleep, but they often come with unwanted side effects like dizziness, next-day drowsiness, or even bizarre nighttime behaviors. Over-the-counter supplements like melatonin offer a milder alternative, but they tend to yield only modest increases in actual sleep time. Scientists are actively exploring alternative interventions that require minimal user effort and completely avoid pharmacological side effects.

    One emerging technology is transcutaneous vibratory stimulation, which involves applying rhythmic, tactile vibrations directly to the skin. The concept is based on the idea that gentle, low-frequency sound waves can mimic the calming sensation of soothing human touch. This kind of tactile stimulation is thought to influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. By shifting the body away from a state of stress and into a state of relaxation, this technology might help the nervous system prepare for sleep.

    The authors of the new study wanted to examine how this specific type of vibratory stimulation impacts sleep patterns in a real-world setting. A previous trial had shown that the technology improved sleep in patients with a specific autoimmune condition. The researchers aimed to build on that earlier work by quantifying the device’s impact on a much larger, general population over an extended period. They specifically focused on whether the duration of the device’s use correlated with measurable extensions in total sleep time.

    To conduct the study, the researchers analyzed retrospective data from a community of individuals who used both the Apollo wearable device and the Oura Ring. The Apollo device is a consumer wellness product worn on the wrist or ankle that delivers targeted vibratory stimulation through the skin. The Oura Ring is a separate biometric tracking device worn on the finger that uses movement, heart rate, and temperature sensors to monitor sleep phases. The study relied on data collected naturally as users interacted with these commercial devices in their everyday lives between January 2019 and May 2022.

    The final sample included 935 users, which provided an extensive dataset of 474,852 nights of observation. Most of the participants were between the ages of 36 and 64, and about 52 percent of the sample identified as male. To establish a baseline for each user, the researchers required participants to have at least seven nights of recorded sleep data before they ever used the vibratory wearable at night. The research team then grouped the participants based on their baseline sleep habits, creating specific categories for those who naturally slept less than six hours, six to seven hours, seven to eight hours, and eight to nine hours.

    The researchers measured the nightly use of the Apollo device in minutes, categorizing the usage into distinct levels ranging from zero minutes to over 240 minutes. They then used advanced statistical frameworks, including linear mixed-effects models, to analyze how different amounts of nighttime vibration influenced total sleep time. This type of statistical model allows researchers to control for individual differences, ensuring that a user with hundreds of logged nights does not incorrectly skew the data compared to a user with fewer nights. The primary outcome measured was the change in total sleep time, recorded in minutes by the smart ring.

    The analysis revealed that nighttime use of the vibratory wearable was significantly associated with an increase in total sleep time. This effect was dose-dependent, meaning that longer use of the device generally corresponded to greater extensions in sleep. For the group of short sleepers who normally received six hours of rest or less, using the device for more than 240 minutes per night resulted in an average sleep extension of about 46 minutes. The median total sleep time for these individuals increased from 350 minutes to 381 minutes on nights they used the maximum level of stimulation.

    Participants who already had longer baseline sleep durations also experienced benefits, though the absolute increases were slightly smaller. For instance, people who typically slept between six and seven hours gained an average of 35 additional minutes of sleep when using the device for over 240 minutes. Those sleeping seven to eight hours gained an estimated 13 additional minutes. This indicates that the vibratory stimulation provides evidence of sleep enhancement across several different baseline habits.

    The researchers also looked at how the extra sleep was distributed across different sleep phases, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep. Rapid eye movement, or REM, is a stage of sleep associated with dreaming and emotional processing. For the short sleepers, the data showed an approximate six percent increase in the proportion of time spent in the REM phase. This increase in REM sleep came at the expense of light sleep, suggesting the additional rest maintained a healthy overall sleep architecture.

    In addition to extending total sleep time, the vibratory stimulation was linked to a lower probability of experiencing a severely shortened night of rest. The authors calculated the odds of a participant sleeping six hours or less on any given night. For short sleepers, using the device for more than 240 minutes was associated with a 77 percent reduction in the odds of having a short sleep night. Even moderate use of the device, between 181 and 240 minutes, was associated with a 49 percent reduction in these odds.

    A few limitations must be considered when interpreting these findings. The study used an observational design based on retrospective data, which means it can identify correlations but cannot definitively prove that the device directly caused the sleep improvements. Because the researchers analyzed existing commercial data, they could not control for outside factors that might influence sleep, such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, or daily medication use. The lack of direct interaction with participants also means the team could not verify if the devices were always used exactly as the manufacturer intended.

    The reliance on biometric wearable devices presents another constraint for the research team. Although the smart ring provides validated, objective measurements of sleep phases, the study did not include subjective assessments from the users. Subjective measures, like structured sleep quality questionnaires, help scientists understand how rested a person actually feels the next day. Relying purely on device data means the psychological perception of sleep quality remains unknown for this specific sample.

    Future research will need to address these gaps by conducting randomized controlled trials in clinical settings. Such trials would involve specific, supervised protocols to establish a direct causal relationship between vibratory stimulation and sleep extension. Scientists also suggest examining how this technology affects diverse populations, including people diagnosed with clinical sleep disorders or distinct neurological conditions. Integrating standardized sleep quality surveys into future studies would help provide a complete picture of how transcutaneous vibratory stimulation impacts human health.

    The study, “Association Between Duration of Transcutaneous Vibratory Stimulation Delivered by the Apollo Neuro Device and Extension of Total Sleep Time,” was authored by Mahender Mandala, Shilpa Krishnan, Nathanial Weathington, Michael Breus, and David Rabin.

    URL: psypost.org/a-tactile-wearable

    -------------------------------------------------

    Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

    Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

    -------------------------------------------------

    #psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #SleepExtension #VibratoryStimulation #ApolloNeuro #WearableTechnology #SleepScience #TranscutaneousStimulation #RemSleep boost #ChronicSleepDebt #NonPharmacologicalSleepAid #BiohackingSleep

  4. DATE: July 18, 2026 at 02:00PM
    SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

    ** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
    -------------------------------------------------

    TITLE: A tactile wearable device suggests promising results for extending total sleep time

    URL: psypost.org/a-tactile-wearable

    Recent research published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth suggests that a wearable device delivering gentle vibrations to the body can help people sleep longer. The findings provide evidence that this non-invasive technology tends to significantly increase total sleep time, especially for individuals who typically struggle to get a full night of rest. This approach offers a promising, medication-free option for addressing chronic sleep shortages and improving overall health.

    A significant portion of the global population fails to get enough sleep each night. In the United States, roughly 70 million adults sleep six hours or less on a regular basis. Medical professionals refer to this condition as chronic short sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults obtain at least seven hours of sleep per night to maintain optimal physical and mental well-being.

    Falling short of this recommendation is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Chronic lack of sleep tends to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and mood disturbances. It can also impair cognitive functions like memory consolidation and daily concentration. Because of these substantial health risks, many individuals actively seek out methods to extend their nightly rest.

    Historically, people have turned to behavioral changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medications to improve their rest. Prescription sleep medications can be highly effective at inducing sleep, but they often come with unwanted side effects like dizziness, next-day drowsiness, or even bizarre nighttime behaviors. Over-the-counter supplements like melatonin offer a milder alternative, but they tend to yield only modest increases in actual sleep time. Scientists are actively exploring alternative interventions that require minimal user effort and completely avoid pharmacological side effects.

    One emerging technology is transcutaneous vibratory stimulation, which involves applying rhythmic, tactile vibrations directly to the skin. The concept is based on the idea that gentle, low-frequency sound waves can mimic the calming sensation of soothing human touch. This kind of tactile stimulation is thought to influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. By shifting the body away from a state of stress and into a state of relaxation, this technology might help the nervous system prepare for sleep.

    The authors of the new study wanted to examine how this specific type of vibratory stimulation impacts sleep patterns in a real-world setting. A previous trial had shown that the technology improved sleep in patients with a specific autoimmune condition. The researchers aimed to build on that earlier work by quantifying the device’s impact on a much larger, general population over an extended period. They specifically focused on whether the duration of the device’s use correlated with measurable extensions in total sleep time.

    To conduct the study, the researchers analyzed retrospective data from a community of individuals who used both the Apollo wearable device and the Oura Ring. The Apollo device is a consumer wellness product worn on the wrist or ankle that delivers targeted vibratory stimulation through the skin. The Oura Ring is a separate biometric tracking device worn on the finger that uses movement, heart rate, and temperature sensors to monitor sleep phases. The study relied on data collected naturally as users interacted with these commercial devices in their everyday lives between January 2019 and May 2022.

    The final sample included 935 users, which provided an extensive dataset of 474,852 nights of observation. Most of the participants were between the ages of 36 and 64, and about 52 percent of the sample identified as male. To establish a baseline for each user, the researchers required participants to have at least seven nights of recorded sleep data before they ever used the vibratory wearable at night. The research team then grouped the participants based on their baseline sleep habits, creating specific categories for those who naturally slept less than six hours, six to seven hours, seven to eight hours, and eight to nine hours.

    The researchers measured the nightly use of the Apollo device in minutes, categorizing the usage into distinct levels ranging from zero minutes to over 240 minutes. They then used advanced statistical frameworks, including linear mixed-effects models, to analyze how different amounts of nighttime vibration influenced total sleep time. This type of statistical model allows researchers to control for individual differences, ensuring that a user with hundreds of logged nights does not incorrectly skew the data compared to a user with fewer nights. The primary outcome measured was the change in total sleep time, recorded in minutes by the smart ring.

    The analysis revealed that nighttime use of the vibratory wearable was significantly associated with an increase in total sleep time. This effect was dose-dependent, meaning that longer use of the device generally corresponded to greater extensions in sleep. For the group of short sleepers who normally received six hours of rest or less, using the device for more than 240 minutes per night resulted in an average sleep extension of about 46 minutes. The median total sleep time for these individuals increased from 350 minutes to 381 minutes on nights they used the maximum level of stimulation.

    Participants who already had longer baseline sleep durations also experienced benefits, though the absolute increases were slightly smaller. For instance, people who typically slept between six and seven hours gained an average of 35 additional minutes of sleep when using the device for over 240 minutes. Those sleeping seven to eight hours gained an estimated 13 additional minutes. This indicates that the vibratory stimulation provides evidence of sleep enhancement across several different baseline habits.

    The researchers also looked at how the extra sleep was distributed across different sleep phases, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep. Rapid eye movement, or REM, is a stage of sleep associated with dreaming and emotional processing. For the short sleepers, the data showed an approximate six percent increase in the proportion of time spent in the REM phase. This increase in REM sleep came at the expense of light sleep, suggesting the additional rest maintained a healthy overall sleep architecture.

    In addition to extending total sleep time, the vibratory stimulation was linked to a lower probability of experiencing a severely shortened night of rest. The authors calculated the odds of a participant sleeping six hours or less on any given night. For short sleepers, using the device for more than 240 minutes was associated with a 77 percent reduction in the odds of having a short sleep night. Even moderate use of the device, between 181 and 240 minutes, was associated with a 49 percent reduction in these odds.

    A few limitations must be considered when interpreting these findings. The study used an observational design based on retrospective data, which means it can identify correlations but cannot definitively prove that the device directly caused the sleep improvements. Because the researchers analyzed existing commercial data, they could not control for outside factors that might influence sleep, such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, or daily medication use. The lack of direct interaction with participants also means the team could not verify if the devices were always used exactly as the manufacturer intended.

    The reliance on biometric wearable devices presents another constraint for the research team. Although the smart ring provides validated, objective measurements of sleep phases, the study did not include subjective assessments from the users. Subjective measures, like structured sleep quality questionnaires, help scientists understand how rested a person actually feels the next day. Relying purely on device data means the psychological perception of sleep quality remains unknown for this specific sample.

    Future research will need to address these gaps by conducting randomized controlled trials in clinical settings. Such trials would involve specific, supervised protocols to establish a direct causal relationship between vibratory stimulation and sleep extension. Scientists also suggest examining how this technology affects diverse populations, including people diagnosed with clinical sleep disorders or distinct neurological conditions. Integrating standardized sleep quality surveys into future studies would help provide a complete picture of how transcutaneous vibratory stimulation impacts human health.

    The study, “Association Between Duration of Transcutaneous Vibratory Stimulation Delivered by the Apollo Neuro Device and Extension of Total Sleep Time,” was authored by Mahender Mandala, Shilpa Krishnan, Nathanial Weathington, Michael Breus, and David Rabin.

    URL: psypost.org/a-tactile-wearable

    -------------------------------------------------

    Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

    Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

    -------------------------------------------------

    #psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #SleepExtension #VibratoryStimulation #ApolloNeuro #WearableTechnology #SleepScience #TranscutaneousStimulation #RemSleep boost #ChronicSleepDebt #NonPharmacologicalSleepAid #BiohackingSleep

  5. HodgePodge Crochet @hodgepodgecrochetcom.wordpress.com@hodgepodgecrochetcom.wordpress.com ·

    What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

    Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

    Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

    Crocheters are no different.

    Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

    But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

    Nobody knows for sure.

    That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

    Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

    Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

    In 2040?

    Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

    “That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

    You’ll argue with it.

    The hook will be correct.

    You’ll frog three rows anyway.

    Some things never change.

    AI Will Design Patterns

    Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

    By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

    “Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

    Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

    Will the sleeves match?

    That’s another question.

    Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

    By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

    Spoiler alert:

    They won’t.

    Mood Yarn

    Changes color based on your emotional state.

    Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

    • Optimism Blue
    • Mild Frustration Orange
    • Pattern Rage Red
    • Existential Crisis Gray

    Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

    Accountability Yarn

    This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

    When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

    “Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

    Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

    Predictive Yarn™

    Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

    The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

    The accuracy is unsettling.

    Competitive Yarn

    This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

    Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

    Karen finished hers three days ago.

    Smart Yarn Labels

    Current labels:
    “Machine wash cold.”

    Future labels:
    “Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

    “You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

    “We both know you’re making modifications.”

    No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

    A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

    “I don’t have anything to work with.”

    And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

    Virtual Crochet Circles

    Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

    Picture it:

    You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

    Your friend is in another country.

    Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

    Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

    Honestly?

    That part already feels realistic.

    Self-Counting Stitch Markers

    The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

    Future stitch markers might:

    • Count repeats
    • Track rows
    • Flash when you miss a stitch
    • Send notifications

    Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

    Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

    Progress.

    Pattern Reading May Become Optional

    Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

    The glasses highlight:

    • The next stitch
    • Where increases go
    • Which row you’re on
    • How many stitches remain

    Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

    Project Bags Will Get Smarter

    Today’s project bag:

    A bag.

    Tomorrow’s project bag:

    • Built-in lighting
    • Charging ports
    • Yarn management systems
    • Automatic row counters
    • Emergency chocolate storage

    Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

    The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

    Let’s be honest.

    No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

    Crochet trends come and go.

    Yarn brands come and go.

    Hooks change.

    Styles change.

    But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

    If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

    Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

    Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

    “Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

    “You downloaded PDF patterns?”

    “You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

    “You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

    We’ll sound ancient.

    Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

    Final Thoughts

    Will any of these predictions come true?

    Probably some.

    Definitely not all.

    But one thing seems certain:

    In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

    They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

    They’ll still play yarn chicken.

    And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

    Some technologies are destined to change.

    Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

    If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

    #AICrochet #artificialIntelligence #creativeTechnology #Crochet #crochet2040 #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetDiscussion #crochetFun #crochetGadgets #crochetHumor #crochetInnovation #crochetInspiration #crochetLife #crochetNerd #crochetPredictions #crochetTechnology #crochetTools #crochetTrends #crochetPattern #digitalCrafting #fiberArts #freePattern #futureOfCrochet #futureTechnology #futurism #futuristicCrafting #geekCrochet #geekCulture #handmadeFuture #makerCommunity #makerCulture #modernCrochet #pattern #sciFiCrochet #scienceFiction #smartCrochet #smartTextiles #wearableTechnology #yarn #yarnAddict #yarnHumor #yarnLover #yarnStash
  6. HodgePodge Crochet @hodgepodgecrochetcom.wordpress.com@hodgepodgecrochetcom.wordpress.com ·

    What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

    Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

    Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

    Crocheters are no different.

    Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

    But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

    Nobody knows for sure.

    That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

    Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

    Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

    In 2040?

    Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

    “That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

    You’ll argue with it.

    The hook will be correct.

    You’ll frog three rows anyway.

    Some things never change.

    AI Will Design Patterns

    Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

    By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

    “Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

    Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

    Will the sleeves match?

    That’s another question.

    Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

    By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

    Spoiler alert:

    They won’t.

    Mood Yarn

    Changes color based on your emotional state.

    Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

    • Optimism Blue
    • Mild Frustration Orange
    • Pattern Rage Red
    • Existential Crisis Gray

    Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

    Accountability Yarn

    This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

    When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

    “Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

    Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

    Predictive Yarn™

    Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

    The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

    The accuracy is unsettling.

    Competitive Yarn

    This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

    Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

    Karen finished hers three days ago.

    Smart Yarn Labels

    Current labels:
    “Machine wash cold.”

    Future labels:
    “Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

    “You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

    “We both know you’re making modifications.”

    No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

    A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

    “I don’t have anything to work with.”

    And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

    Virtual Crochet Circles

    Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

    Picture it:

    You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

    Your friend is in another country.

    Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

    Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

    Honestly?

    That part already feels realistic.

    Self-Counting Stitch Markers

    The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

    Future stitch markers might:

    • Count repeats
    • Track rows
    • Flash when you miss a stitch
    • Send notifications

    Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

    Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

    Progress.

    Pattern Reading May Become Optional

    Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

    The glasses highlight:

    • The next stitch
    • Where increases go
    • Which row you’re on
    • How many stitches remain

    Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

    Project Bags Will Get Smarter

    Today’s project bag:

    A bag.

    Tomorrow’s project bag:

    • Built-in lighting
    • Charging ports
    • Yarn management systems
    • Automatic row counters
    • Emergency chocolate storage

    Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

    The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

    Let’s be honest.

    No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

    Crochet trends come and go.

    Yarn brands come and go.

    Hooks change.

    Styles change.

    But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

    If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

    Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

    Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

    “Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

    “You downloaded PDF patterns?”

    “You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

    “You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

    We’ll sound ancient.

    Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

    Final Thoughts

    Will any of these predictions come true?

    Probably some.

    Definitely not all.

    But one thing seems certain:

    In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

    They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

    They’ll still play yarn chicken.

    And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

    Some technologies are destined to change.

    Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

    If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?

    #AICrochet #artificialIntelligence #creativeTechnology #Crochet #crochet2040 #crochetBlog #crochetCommunity #crochetDiscussion #crochetFun #crochetGadgets #crochetHumor #crochetInnovation #crochetInspiration #crochetLife #crochetNerd #crochetPredictions #crochetTechnology #crochetTools #crochetTrends #crochetPattern #digitalCrafting #fiberArts #freePattern #futureOfCrochet #futureTechnology #futurism #futuristicCrafting #geekCrochet #geekCulture #handmadeFuture #makerCommunity #makerCulture #modernCrochet #pattern #sciFiCrochet #scienceFiction #smartCrochet #smartTextiles #wearableTechnology #yarn #yarnAddict #yarnHumor #yarnLover #yarnStash
  7. The second wave of the AI and assessment crisis

    In this paper Thomas Corbin, Sue Sharpe & Phillip Dawson suggest that wearable AI will bring a second wave of the assessment crisis. In the first wave, there has been a reliance on the idea that physical examination provides a backstop which can underwrite authenticity: “the physical exclusion of technology at the point of performance” (pg 1). They argue that wearable AI will make it vastly more difficult to enact that exclusion because they can provide real-time cognitive assistant without external markers which indicate they are being used for this purpose.

    This is still a new field but it is rapidly growing. Meta sold 7 million smart glasses last year, with signs suggesting growth is accelerating. These are just manufacturer within a broader field of wearable AI that is receiving huge investment. So while someone might be able to spot Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses it’s unfeasible to imagine that every wearable device could be reliably spotted. There also equity issues which arise from the fact these serve real assistive functions for many users: they are dual use in a way which precludes ethical exclusion. The assumption we would ratchet up oversight in order to prevent them being brought into invigilated spaces raises all manner of ethical, legal and political questions. As they put it, “A regime that extends scrutiny further than simply glasses must decide how far into the student’s embodied presentation it is willing to reach” (pg 13). A commitment to excluding these devices necessitates a form of “bodily adjudication” based on two conditions which are decreasingly tenable. From pg 12:

    First, invigilators must be able to identify which objects on a student’s person are relevant candidates for scrutiny. Secondly, they must then be able to determine whether those objects are AI-enabled or not. Under conditions of wearable AI, neither condition can be assumed. The issue is not simply that smart glasses may be difficult to distinguish from ordinary eyewear. Rather, it is that the relevant class of wearable technologies no longer maps neatly onto a small set of visibly exceptional devices.

    The deeper transition they are pointing to here involves a shift from AI as a discrete tool to one which is embedded in practice in a way that might not ultimately be separable. In this sense I think we can see inline automation tools (Copilot 365 and Grammarly etc) which offer ambient assistant to users as another vector of this transition. I thought this was really important on pg 6-7:

    Screen-based AI is structurally different. Consulting ChatGPT on a laptop or smartphone requires directing attention away from the task at hand, engaging with a separate interface, reading a response, and returning to the task. Even when this process becomes routine, it remains episodic. The tool cannot become phenomenologically transparent because the architecture of use requires repeated explicit engagement with a separate object. The user must turn to it, attend to it, and return from it. Smart glasses differ because they operate within, rather than alongside, ongoing activity. They have the architectural capacity to become phenomenologically trans- parent, to withdraw from user awareness and become part of the structure through

    The episodic character of user-model interaction for chatbots is exactly what makes meta-cognition possible. They demand articulation, even if minimally, while also making the interaction itself available as an object of reflection that can inform that articulation. This is why it’s possible to use chatbots in an active way. In contrast inline automation tools insert themselves into the flow of activity in a manner which is intended to render this episodic experience unnecessary. This is literally baked into the metaphor of the Copilot. It’s possible to meta-reflect while you’re in flow but I don’t think it’s possible for learners to do this: the space is crucial for developing this capabilities in the first place. For this reason I’d suggest we see the second wave of the assessment crisis as responding to three factors: (a) the declining burden of articulation in chatbots* (b) the parallel growth of inline automation tools (c) the rise of AI wearables. This is how they describe the distinction between the first wave and the second wave. From pg 9

    The first wave, exemplified by screen-based systems such as ChatGPT,
    created a crisis of practice within an intact institutional framework. Tasks had to be redesigned, expectations renegotiated, and academic integrity policies rewritten, but the basic shape of the problem remained familiar: students were using an external tool, that tool produced identifiable outputs, and institutions could still, with effort, separate students from the tool at particular assessment events. The first wave was a harder version of a problem assessment had encountered before.

    The second wave is different in three ways, and each of them matters inde pendently. First, the property itself is structurally new. Screen-based AI is episodic by architecture. The user must turn to it, attend to it, read its response, and return. Even a heavily reliant user is engaging with the tool as a discrete object on discrete occasions. Wearable AI, as the previous sections have argued, has the structural conditions for incorporation. It does not function as a tool the user consults but as a capability the user inhabits. This is not a difference of degree. It is a difference in the kind of relationship a user can have with the technology, and it is not a difference any previous educational technology has had to confront at scale.

    Once AI use is no longer “external, episodic, and, at least in principle, distinguishable from the student’s own ongoing activity” (pg 10) then assessment strategies built around exclusion become fundamentally untenable. It’s another argument that supports the notion that fundamental assessment reform has to happen so we might as well get on with it. The problem is that I still don’t believe that processual assessment is adequately scalable within mass higher education. So the vice tightens 😬

    *This is what my book with Milan Sturmer is essentially about. The short-form version of the argument is that post-training has made chatbots vastly more able to infer user expectations without deliberate and expansive prompting. Therefore the user has to articulate themselves to get what they want.

    #AI #assessment #higherEducation #metaReflection #universities #wearableAI #wearableTechnology
  8. The second wave of the AI and assessment crisis

    In this paper Thomas Corbin, Sue Sharpe & Phillip Dawson suggest that wearable AI will bring a second wave of the assessment crisis. In the first wave, there has been a reliance on the idea that physical examination provides a backstop which can underwrite authenticity: “the physical exclusion of technology at the point of performance” (pg 1). They argue that wearable AI will make it vastly more difficult to enact that exclusion because they can provide real-time cognitive assistant without external markers which indicate they are being used for this purpose.

    This is still a new field but it is rapidly growing. Meta sold 7 million smart glasses last year, with signs suggesting growth is accelerating. These are just manufacturer within a broader field of wearable AI that is receiving huge investment. So while someone might be able to spot Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses it’s unfeasible to imagine that every wearable device could be reliably spotted. There also equity issues which arise from the fact these serve real assistive functions for many users: they are dual use in a way which precludes ethical exclusion. The assumption we would ratchet up oversight in order to prevent them being brought into invigilated spaces raises all manner of ethical, legal and political questions. As they put it, “A regime that extends scrutiny further than simply glasses must decide how far into the student’s embodied presentation it is willing to reach” (pg 13). A commitment to excluding these devices necessitates a form of “bodily adjudication” based on two conditions which are decreasingly tenable. From pg 12:

    First, invigilators must be able to identify which objects on a student’s person are relevant candidates for scrutiny. Secondly, they must then be able to determine whether those objects are AI-enabled or not. Under conditions of wearable AI, neither condition can be assumed. The issue is not simply that smart glasses may be difficult to distinguish from ordinary eyewear. Rather, it is that the relevant class of wearable technologies no longer maps neatly onto a small set of visibly exceptional devices.

    The deeper transition they are pointing to here involves a shift from AI as a discrete tool to one which is embedded in practice in a way that might not ultimately be separable. In this sense I think we can see inline automation tools (Copilot 365 and Grammarly etc) which offer ambient assistant to users as another vector of this transition. I thought this was really important on pg 6-7:

    Screen-based AI is structurally different. Consulting ChatGPT on a laptop or smartphone requires directing attention away from the task at hand, engaging with a separate interface, reading a response, and returning to the task. Even when this process becomes routine, it remains episodic. The tool cannot become phenomenologically transparent because the architecture of use requires repeated explicit engagement with a separate object. The user must turn to it, attend to it, and return from it. Smart glasses differ because they operate within, rather than alongside, ongoing activity. They have the architectural capacity to become phenomenologically trans- parent, to withdraw from user awareness and become part of the structure through

    The episodic character of user-model interaction for chatbots is exactly what makes meta-cognition possible. They demand articulation, even if minimally, while also making the interaction itself available as an object of reflection that can inform that articulation. This is why it’s possible to use chatbots in an active way. In contrast inline automation tools insert themselves into the flow of activity in a manner which is intended to render this episodic experience unnecessary. This is literally baked into the metaphor of the Copilot. It’s possible to meta-reflect while you’re in flow but I don’t think it’s possible for learners to do this: the space is crucial for developing this capabilities in the first place. For this reason I’d suggest we see the second wave of the assessment crisis as responding to three factors: (a) the declining burden of articulation in chatbots* (b) the parallel growth of inline automation tools (c) the rise of AI wearables. This is how they describe the distinction between the first wave and the second wave. From pg 9

    The first wave, exemplified by screen-based systems such as ChatGPT,
    created a crisis of practice within an intact institutional framework. Tasks had to be redesigned, expectations renegotiated, and academic integrity policies rewritten, but the basic shape of the problem remained familiar: students were using an external tool, that tool produced identifiable outputs, and institutions could still, with effort, separate students from the tool at particular assessment events. The first wave was a harder version of a problem assessment had encountered before.

    The second wave is different in three ways, and each of them matters inde pendently. First, the property itself is structurally new. Screen-based AI is episodic by architecture. The user must turn to it, attend to it, read its response, and return. Even a heavily reliant user is engaging with the tool as a discrete object on discrete occasions. Wearable AI, as the previous sections have argued, has the structural conditions for incorporation. It does not function as a tool the user consults but as a capability the user inhabits. This is not a difference of degree. It is a difference in the kind of relationship a user can have with the technology, and it is not a difference any previous educational technology has had to confront at scale.

    Once AI use is no longer “external, episodic, and, at least in principle, distinguishable from the student’s own ongoing activity” (pg 10) then assessment strategies built around exclusion become fundamentally untenable. It’s another argument that supports the notion that fundamental assessment reform has to happen so we might as well get on with it. The problem is that I still don’t believe that processual assessment is adequately scalable within mass higher education. So the vice tightens 😬

    *This is what my book with Milan Sturmer is essentially about. The short-form version of the argument is that post-training has made chatbots vastly more able to infer user expectations without deliberate and expansive prompting. Therefore the user has to articulate themselves much less to get what they want.

    #AI #assessment #higherEducation #metaReflection #universities #wearableAI #wearableTechnology
  9. LetinAR Develops Advanced Optical Modules for Wearable AI Glasses

    📰 Original title: South Korea’s LetinAR is building optics behind AI glasses

    🤖 IA: It's not clickbait ✅
    👥 Users: It's not clickbait ✅

    View full AI summary: en.killbait.com/letinar-develo

    #technology #aiglasses #optics #wearabletechnology

  10. LetinAR Develops Advanced Optical Modules for Wearable AI Glasses

    📰 Original title: South Korea’s LetinAR is building optics behind AI glasses

    🤖 IA: It's not clickbait ✅
    👥 Users: It's not clickbait ✅

    View full AI summary: en.killbait.com/letinar-develo

    #technology #aiglasses #optics #wearabletechnology

  11. LetinAR Develops Advanced Optical Modules for Wearable AI Glasses

    📰 Original title: South Korea’s LetinAR is building optics behind AI glasses

    🤖 IA: It's not clickbait ✅
    👥 Users: It's not clickbait ✅

    View full AI summary: en.killbait.com/letinar-develo

    #technology #aiglasses #optics #wearabletechnology

  12. Experts: Green-Earbuds Slash Carbon vs Consumer Electronics Best Buy

    Ever seen earbuds that out‑perform the competition and shrink your carbon footprint? I unpack the CES 2024 launch that’s reshaping the consumer electronics best‑buy market – click to find out why green tech is the new sound of savings.

    techbuyer.digital/experts-gree

    #consumerelectronicsbestbuy #productreviews #latestgadgets #wearabletechnology #consumertechbrands

  13. Wearable tech can improve habits—but also distort self-trust. Explore how data from smart devices reshapes perception, behavior, and wellbeing. hackernoon.com/why-do-we-trust #wearabletechnology

  14. Wearable tech can improve habits—but also distort self-trust. Explore how data from smart devices reshapes perception, behavior, and wellbeing. hackernoon.com/why-do-we-trust #wearabletechnology

  15. Startup Develops Brain-Reading Wearable to Convert Thoughts into Text

    📰 Original title: This Beanie Is Designed to Read Your Thoughts

    🤖 IA: It's clickbait ⚠️
    👥 Usuarios: It's clickbait ⚠️

    View full AI summary: killbait.com/en/startup-develo

    #neuroscience #bci #wearabletechnology #ai

  16. Startup Develops Brain-Reading Wearable to Convert Thoughts into Text

    📰 Original title: This Beanie Is Designed to Read Your Thoughts

    🤖 IA: It's clickbait ⚠️
    👥 Usuarios: It's clickbait ⚠️

    View full AI summary: killbait.com/en/startup-develo

    #neuroscience #bci #wearabletechnology #ai

  17. University of Maryland Develops Wearable Device to Measure Human Flatulence and Gut Activity

    📰 Original title: How often do people really fart? Scientists built smart underwear to find out

    🤖 IA: It's clickbait ⚠️
    👥 Usuarios: It's clickbait ⚠️

    View full AI summary: killbait.com/en/university-of-

    #health #gutmicrobiome #flatulence #wearabletechnology

  18. ICYMI: California bill targets secret recordings by smart glasses in workplaces: California SB 1130 targets wearable recording devices like smart glasses, requiring explicit consent in businesses and banning indicator light tampering, with fines up to $10,000. ppc.land/california-bill-targe #CaliforniaBill #SmartGlasses #PrivacyProtection #WearableTechnology #RecordingDevices

  19. Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered wearable device that could redefine hands-free computing.

    The pin-style wearable may include cameras, microphones, a speaker, and wireless charging, with a possible launch around 2027 as part of Apple’s broader AI strategy.

    Read more:
    techputs.com/apple-ai-wearable

    #Apple #AI #WearableTechnology #TechNews #ArtificialIntelligence #Gadgets #technology

  20. Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered wearable device that could redefine hands-free computing.

    The pin-style wearable may include cameras, microphones, a speaker, and wireless charging, with a possible launch around 2027 as part of Apple’s broader AI strategy.

    Read more:
    techputs.com/apple-ai-wearable

    #Apple #AI #WearableTechnology #TechNews #ArtificialIntelligence #Gadgets #technology

  21. Honor Watch GS 5 — смартгодинник з автономністю до 23 днів і розширеним моніторингом серця
    #
    gizchina.net/2026/01/17/honor-

  22. RingConn Gen 2: The Smart Ring with 12-Day Battery Life

    The RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring breaks the mold with an incredible 12-day battery life, breakthrough sleep apnea detection, and a comfortable, lightweight design—all without a monthly subscription.

    Available in premium finishes like Silver and Gold to perfectly match your personal style and other jewelry.

    Smart rings are quickly becoming the preferred way to track health, offering a discreet alternative to bulky smartwatches. However, many of the top contenders lock their best data behind a paywall or require charging every few days. The RingConn Gen 2 solves both problems effortlessly. It is a set-it-and-forget-it health tracker that combines premium features with a liberating subscription-free model, making it arguably the best value in the smart ring market today.

    Unrivaled Battery Endurance

    The headline feature here is stamina. While competitors struggle to hit the one-week mark, the RingConn Gen 2 boasts an astonishing 10 to 12 days of battery life on a single charge. But the real game-changer is the included portable charging case. Similar to a pair of wireless earbuds, this sleek case can recharge the ring up to 15 times, giving you a total of 150+ days of power without ever needing a wall outlet. It’s the perfect travel companion for long trips or just a busy lifestyle.

    Breakthrough Sleep Apnea Monitoring

    RingConn has introduced a major health feature with the Gen 2: Sleep Apnea Monitoring. Using advanced sensors to track blood oxygen levels and breathing patterns, the ring can detect interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. This is a critical metric for long-term health that most wearables overlook. Beyond this, it provides a comprehensive suite of sleep data, including sleep stages (REM, Deep, Light), heart rate variability (HRV), and a daily sleep score, helping you understand exactly how well you’re resting.

    Track your heart rate and activity levels during intense workouts without the bulk or discomfort of a traditional wrist-worn tracker.

    RingConn vs. Oura and Ultrahuman

    When stacked against the market leaders, the RingConn Gen 2 makes a compelling case for value and convenience. Unlike the Oura Ring, which locks detailed insights and historical data behind a mandatory monthly subscription, RingConn provides full access to your metrics for free. While the Ultrahuman Ring Air also offers a subscription-free experience, the RingConn distinguishes itself with its vastly superior battery life and the standard inclusion of the portable charging case—an accessory you often have to buy separately or forgo with other brands. Additionally, its unique “squircle” shape is often cited as being more comfortable for grip and daily wear than the strictly circular profiles of Oura and Ultrahuman.

    Featherlight Comfort and Durability

    Designed for 24/7 wear, the Gen 2 is incredibly thin and light. Weighing between just 2 to 3 grams and measuring only 2mm thick, it virtually disappears on your finger. It features that unique “squircle” shape—round on the inside for comfort, but slightly squared on the outside to prevent it from spinning on your finger. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium alloy and boasting an IP68 waterproof rating (safe up to 100 meters), it is built to survive everything from a shower to a swim in the ocean.

    All Your Data, No Monthly Fee

    Unlock deep insights into your sleep quality, stress levels, and vital signs without ever paying a monthly subscription fee.

    Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the RingConn Gen 2 is its app. You get full access to all your health metrics—stress tracking, activity levels, menstrual cycle predictions, and vital sign monitoring—completely subscription-free. The app is polished and insightful, syncing seamlessly with Apple Health and Google Fit, ensuring your data is always exactly where you need it.

    The RingConn Gen 2 is a triumph of efficiency and value. By offering elite-level health tracking and industry-leading battery life without the burden of a monthly fee, it makes a compelling case for being the only wearable you need.

    Where to buy: #sleep #smartRing #under200 #WearableTechnology
  23. Ready to see the future of AI gadgets?

    📱 At IFA 2025, the latest AI-powered devices, smart wearables, and futuristic home technology are redefining innovation and user experience.

    👉 Which AI innovation do you think will change everyday life the most? Share below!

    #IFA2025 #AIGadgets #SmartTech #AIInnovation #WearableTechnology #TechTrends2025 #Neuronus

  24. Ich hab eine Idee, aber keine Ahnung: Ich hätte gern einen Anstecker mit E-Ink-Display und Anzeigenwechsel per Knopfdruck. Also ein magnetischer oder ansteckbarer Button, der zwischen mindestens zwei Anzeigen wechseln kann.

    Anwendungsbeispiele:
    • "Ich nutze WERO" → Knopfdruck → QR-Code zum Bezahlen erscheint
    • "Ich nutze Threema/Signal" → Knopfdruck → QR-Code zur Kontaktaufnahme erscheint
    • Namensschilder mit wechselbaren Informationen
    • Stimmungsanzeiger für nonverbale Kommunikation

    Fragen an die #Fediverse-Community:
    - Kennst Du ähnliche Projekte?
    - Wer könnte so etwas umsetzen?
    - Was sind realistische Kosten?
    - Fallen Dir weitere Anwendungen ein?
    - Welche #Hashtags sollte ich ergänzen oder ändern?

    Meine Inspirationquelle:
    linkedin.com/posts/timo-heck-9

    #Wearables #EInk #WERO #Threema #Signal #EPIWallet #EInkAnstecker #WearableTechDE #EpaperProjekte #TechAccessoires #MakerCommunityDE #Cyberwear #Wearables #EInkBadge #MakerMovement #WearableTechnology #TechDIYChallenge #EInkDisplay #eink #epaper