How can wearable gadgets help you be a better translator?

There’s no question about it, 2014 is the year in which two trends are going to be huge: curved glass devices (televisions, mobile phones) and wearable smart gadgets. Here we take a look at how wearable gadgets can help you to be a better translator. 

What are they? Wearable gadgets in a nutshell

Essentially, wearable smart gadgets are devices which harness the power of modern technology and combine it with an everyday, wearable object such as a watch. In the same way that smartphones have revolutionised the electronic communications industry, wearable smart gadgets are tipped to do the same.

Current trends – wearable gadgets to look out for

The most commonly purchased 2014 wearable gadget is likely to be the smartwatch. Several smartwatches are already for sale, with varying degrees of functionality. One of the most famous is the Pebble – a watch which communicates with the wearer’s phone via Bluetooth.

As smartwatch technology develops, we will see increasingly sophisticated versions available for retail. Functionality will be comparable to that of a smartphone, meaning that translators can check their email, search the web, receive notifications and check the factual accuracy of the documents they are working on, all via their wristwatch.

While smartwatches will enhance efficiency for translators, other wearable devices will help to improve their office environment. The Lumo Lift, for example, is a discreet, tile-shaped device that clips to the user’s clothing. It monitors the positioning of the wearer’s body and vibrates when they begin to slouch, prompting them to adjust their stance. Such a device will ensure that translators maintain good posture throughout the working day, prompting increased comfort at work and reduced risk of posture-based problems. 

Looking ahead – wearable gadgets of the future

As wearable smart gadgets evolve, we can expect a whole host of new developments. In late 2013, electronics giant Sony filed a patent for ‘SmartWig’ – a wig that incorporates wireless technology. The aim is to create a device that blends electronic communications with the latest fashionable colours. While the product is still under development, it will be fascinating to see how this, along with other wearable smart gadgets, impacts on the professional lives of translators around the world over the coming years.

Do you already use a wearable gadget to help with your translation work? If so, please tell us about your experience with it by using the comments box.