Report: Wearables get boost in Q3 due to 'hearables'

A recent report from the market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) shows the impact of Apple on the wearable segment. Or we should say, the effect of the Apple AirPods on the industry. The wearable segment has seen a significant rise in the third quarter of 2019 because of the "hearables" market, which is another name for wireless earbuds, headphones, etc. 

A total of 40.7 million units of hearables were shipped over 2018's 11.8 million. This figure means that for the segment alone, there was a year-on-year growth of 242.4%.

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Fitbit Ace wearable for kids is now available globally

Part of Fitbit's focus on making fitness tracking more accessible extends to giving more users access to the benefits of being more active and tracking their health.

Fitbit is the leading global wearables brand, announced today the availability of Fitbit Ace™ at major retailers worldwide for $129.95 CAD. Designed for kids ages 8 and older, Ace motivates with customizable step, active minute and sleep goals, celebratory messages and badges, and challenges for the whole family. With an adjustable, showerproof wristband available in two vibrant colors and up to 5 days battery life,i Ace is designed to keep pace with kids’ busy lives. With Ace, parents are in control and can manage who their children connect with and what information they see in the Fitbit app that will motivate them most.

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New Balance's RunIQ is a wearable created by runners for runners

Global athletic leader New Balance announced its inaugural smart wearable from the Digital Sport Division with RunIQ, a "made to run" smartwatch built in collaboration with leading digital, hardware and software companies, including Intel, Google, and Strava, at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this past weekend.  In tandem with the launch of RunIQ, New Balance will also debut PaceIQ, Bluetooth wireless sport headphones, with sound by Jabra - the provider of premium sound solutions for sports enthusiasts. RunIQ delivers the perfect combination of the best running features in a stylish accessory that you can wear all day.

Specifically designed for runners by runners, RunIQ helps athletes focus on their performance, engineered with Intel Inside® featuring a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, lap button, interval capability, and marathon distance battery life to help you get the most out of your run.

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VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is more than a toy

By Sonya Davidson

My 5 year old nephew has been eyeing my wearables. I've seen him admiring my smartwatch and fitness trackers with his big eyes. I love how curious he is as he asks so many questions about what these nifty gadgets can do. So, when I recently asked him if he would interested in showing me what the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX could do, he didn't hesitate. 

I was surprised to learn that he had already put a "smartwatch" on his birthday list. His mom had no problem with me asking for his help to review this device. She told me that in school, the teachers had already noticed how his interest in technology has a positive effect in his learning. His reading and math skills are advanced. I even noticed when he was reading instructions on the VYech he had no struggle with words.

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