A Look into the Future of Wearable Electronics

Martin Gitlin

    1  It was August 1928. The cover of a science-fiction comic book called Amazing Stories  showed a man flying through the air with a jetpack strapped to his back. He was clutching a device that allowed him to travel in any direction he pleased. Kids saw the drawing as a glimpse into the future.

    2  While jetpacks haven’t exactly taken off as a popular form of travel, other wearables that seem like science fiction today could soon become everyday technology. Many of the inventors creating wearables for the future have focused on the health industry. One electronics engineer compared health wearables to the sensors used in cars — they can tell users when a part is not working correctly or is about to break down. By monitoring their health with wearable devices, people know exactly when they need to see a doctor. Researchers foresee a day when most humans are wired up with sensors that will serve as an early-warning system for dangerous medical problems.

    3  Sensors will become smaller and easier to wear. Wireless sensors mounted directly on the skin can detect body temperature, pulse, and breathing rate. The tiny sensors must be made flexible so they can stay in place while users bend and stretch.

    4  Implants in the heart, brain, and other areas of the body could do more than detect problems. They could deliver medication whenever they sense a need. This could solve health issues from the comfort of home and even save lives.

    5  Scientists understand that much research must be completed before sensors and implants can be reliable. But they believe every planned use is realistic. And they have already found ways to utilize them to help people stay healthy.

    6  Advancements could also give hearing aids new uses. For example, it is believed that these devices could remind people about doctor appointments or when to take medication.

    7  Those designing wearables of the future will also have fashion in mind. They realize that many people will not purchase wearable devices unless they are pleasing to the eye. For example, the majority of today’s smartwatches are a bit bulky. But future models could look more like the fashionable watches people already enjoy wearing.

    8  flood of wearable electronics onto the market has just begun. Only a few companies have produced them. The result has been high prices for the consumer. But this will change in the future. A high level of competition between wearable technology companies will drive prices down.

    9  We can be sure that the future of wearables will enhance the worlds of education, health, and gaming.

    10  But which devices will become most popular in the future cannot be predicted. What is certain is that the seeds have been planted for a booming wearables industry that could change your life forever.

1. The cover of a science-fiction comic book called Amazing Stories showed a man flying through the air with a jetpack strapped to his back. 

一本名叫《惊异传奇》的科幻连环漫画的封面展示了一位男士凌空飞翔，背上绑着喷气背包。

句中的 flying through the air with a jetpack strapped to his back 是现在分词短语作定语修饰 man ，其中 strapped to his back 是过去分词作定语修饰 jetpack 。

2. While jetpacks haven’t exactly taken off as a popular form of travel, other wearables that seem like science fiction today could soon become everyday technology. 

尽管喷气背包没能作为一种流行的出行方式火起来，但其他那些今天看似科幻小说的可穿戴设备，不久却有可能成为司空见惯的技术设备。

句中的连接词 while 意为 despite the fact that, although “虽然，尽管” 。  

3. By monitoring their health with wearable devices, people know exactly when they need to see a doctor. 

人们用可穿戴设备监测身体状况，便能确切知道何时该去看医生。

介词 by 引导动名词短语表示方式。

4. Wireless sensors mounted directly on the skin can detect body temperature, pulse, and breathing rate. 

直接装在皮肤上的无线传感器能测体温、脉搏和呼吸频率。

mounted directly on the skin 是过去分词作定语修饰 sensors ， mount 此处意为“安装，镶嵌” 。

5. Th ose designing wearables of the future will also have fashion in mind. 

未来可穿戴设备的设计人员也会考虑到时尚。 

designing wearables of the future 是现在分词作定语，修饰主语 those 。