But that awkward stage may be drawing to a close. As sensors become smaller and cheaper, and low-energy Bluetooth data sharing mitigates the need for bulky batteries, designers can integrate smart components in unobtrusive ways. The Misfit Shine activity tracker, for instance, looks like a piece of jewelry (and can last four months on one watch battery). Start-up Cuff will embed location sensors into a line of bracelets and necklaces. Fitbit has even signed a deal with designer Tory Burch to create accessories for its products.
Baking smart components into clothes and accessories is also getting easier to do. In March, Google unveiled the Android Wear operating system, which is optimized to deliver at-a-glance information, such as appointments and text messages, so designers won’t have to spend months developing custom code for their devices. Instead, they can just do what they’ve always done: focus on the fashion.
