Smart Bracelet Helps Users Perform Various Tasks

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. conceive / kənˈsiv / (v) – to create an idea for something
    Example:

    He conceived the idea for a new smartphone after hearing his friends’ complaints about their devices.


  2. concretize / ˈkɒn krəˌtaɪz / (v) – to make something real or definite
    Example:

    They had to work for two years before they could concretize their design for a new laptop.


  3. convert / kənˈvɜrt / (v) – to change something from one form to another
    Example:

    The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity.


  4. eavesdrop / ˈivzˌdrɒp / (v) – to listen to something that should be kept a secret
    Example:

    He talked so loud on his phone, so other people eavesdropped on the conversation.


  5. set the bar / sɛt ðə bɑr / (idiom) – to set a certain standard
    Example:

    Their company set the bar high when over a million customers bought their new smartphone.


Article

Read the text below.

A company created a multi-functional smart bracelet that lets users perform various tasks.


The smart bracelet, known as Get, was originally conceived by former media designer Edoardo Parini in 2015. Together with his twin brother Emiliano, Edoardo founded tech company Deed and concretized Get’s design. The brothers developed Get because they wanted to have a smart device that can lessen people’s screen dependency while maintaining their connectivity.


Some of Get’s most notable features are its buttonless design and no-screen technology. To replace buttons and screens, the device uses gesture recognition technology that lets users record specific gestures. A gesture will be assigned to a particular feature, such as volume adjustment.


The battery-powered Get also employs bone conduction technology that converts sounds into vibrations, allowing users to listen to calls, notifications, and music by sticking a finger in their ear. The vibrations travel from the smartphone to the Bluetooth-connected Get worn on the wrist, to the user’s finger, and finally, to the ear. Users can listen to messages or answer calls in complete privacy. This eliminates the risk of having someone eavesdrop on phone conversations.


The smart bracelet can also function as a fitness tracker, alarm clock, navigation system, and wireless payment device.


Because of Get’s potential, tech experts predict that it will set the bar high for wearable technology.


The company is currently raising money for mass production on funding platform Kickstarter. People can already reserve one unit along with a charger for $128 and an additional shipping fee of $28. The company will start delivering the product in March 2020.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Given its buttonless design and no-screen technology, would you be willing to try using Get? Why or why not?
• Who do you think will be the best target market for this device? Why?

Discussion B

• In this day and age, do you think it’s difficult to lessen people’s screen dependency? Explain.
• In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of too much connectivity? Discuss.