By Sonya Davidson
The exciting world of lifestyle related and wearable tech products is growing quickly and judging by the thousands who visited Best Buy's Life & Wearable Tech Expo last week in Toronto, consumers are definitely intrigued and ready to embrace it all. Yonge & Dundas Square was the location of the second annual showcase that offered the public an up close and interactive look at the latest lifestyle technology.
Over 20 exhibitors demonstrated and chatted with the public from areas of health and fitness, smartwatches, virtual reality, audio and connected toys. Some of the highlights...
Fossil and Skagen showcased the latest line of smartwatches - representatives at the Expo were marketing the fashion driven brands to the style conscious market. Skagen Connected debuts with the Hagen Connected hybrid smartwatch that keeps the brand's heritage of simple design principles but adds technology functions.
iHealth offers useful wireless health monitoring kits that are easier to track more accurate glucose levels and blood pressure. With data collection (via app) monitoring reports can be easily shared with family and doctors to help manage ongoing care.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is here and so were several goggle and headset brands racing to get to the consumers. Still bulky, but getting better sets are getting more affordable and no doubt this corner of the market will heat up even more with competition. At the Expo we spotted Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus, MergeVR, Noon VR, and HomidoVR (we noted the lowest price with this brand at $99.99).
With mindfulness becoming a big component in healthy living, Muse Brain Sensing Headband is available to help calm the mind and breathe. On-going demonstrations in their booth as well as centre stage at the Expo gave consumers a chance to experience calmness in midst of downtown chaos.
Bellabeat takes a more sophisticated and feminine approach with the LEAF Fitness tracker. Crafted in wood and metal the device is the most versatile when it comes to wear (clip, necklace, bracelet) and will also help women track menstrual cycles. Polar Loop Crystal Activity Tracker embellished with Swarovski crystals is an eye catching activity tracker that's worth a closer look for the stylish set. Other fitness trackers including FitBit, Garmin, Samsung and TomTom also were on hand showing their latest.
A kid's "Tech Toy Zone" offered young techies the opportunity to try out interactive toys from Spinmaster, Wowwee, and Sphero. We adored playing with Chip, a responsive robodog who plays fetch and understands voice commands. He could also be controlled via app on smart devices as well as by an accompanying smart watch. A fun first pet for those who aren't quite ready for the real deal or the mess.
OSMO featured their innovative gaming system for kids focusing in areas of S.T.E.A.M. learning. The games were created to encourage thinking and social playing.
The Best Buy Life & Wearable Tech Expo also ended the full day of activities with a fashion show that featured trendy wearables alongside some of the hottest looks for the Fall season.