The wearable technology market is shifting toward specialized, form-factor-specific devices, evidenced by the launch of The90 Gem. This smart necklace tracks UVA and UVB exposure to provide personalized skin health recommendations. According to data from Rock Health, 46% of U.S. adults now own at least one health-tracking wearable, a significant increase from 13% in 2015.
The Shift Toward Specialized Wearable Hardware
While the market for wrist-worn devices like the Apple Watch and finger-worn trackers like the Oura ring remains dominant, new hardware designs are emerging to address specific health needs. The90, a startup based in Walnut Creek, California, developed the Gem to offer an alternative to traditional fitness trackers. The device features a sleek, black circular pendant equipped with sensors that measure real-time solar radiation.
According to the company, the device integrates with a mobile application where users complete a 16-question survey covering skin type, medication usage, and sun-exposure habits. The app processes this data alongside real-time sensor readings to provide personalized UV thresholds and sunscreen application reminders. The company uses a “sunscreen decay algorithm” that calculates protection levels based on the user’s input regarding the type of sunscreen used and the quality of its application.
Did you know?
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that an estimated 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every single day.
Market Saturation and the Rise of Layered Wearables
The wearable space is becoming increasingly crowded, leading companies to seek unique form factors. While necklaces such as Invisawear already exist, they are primarily marketed for personal security and emergency alerts rather than health data. Madelyn Knowles, research lead at Rock Health Advisory, notes that while the wearable market is “saturated” with rings and watches, there is a clear path forward for specialized products.
Knowles suggests that the future of the industry will likely involve “layering.” Consumers may opt for a primary device for daily basics—such as heart rate or sleep tracking—paired with secondary or tertiary devices designed for specific needs, such as glucose monitoring or UV exposure tracking. As hardware becomes commoditized, Knowles predicts that the winners in the wearable sector will be decided by the quality of insights and the overall user experience rather than the sensors themselves.
Future Trends in Health-Focused Tech
The Gem represents a broader industry trend toward data-driven wellness. The90’s leadership views this device as the first foray into a bigger data story intended to quantify how much sun exposure is truly risky and what the health benefits provide in comparison. By moving away from the standard watch-and-ring model, developers are attempting to reach users who prioritize aesthetics and specific health outcomes over general activity tracking.
Pro Tip: When evaluating new wearables, look for apps that provide actionable insights rather than just raw data. The value of a device often lies in the software’s ability to interpret sensor input into personalized advice, like the sunscreen decay algorithms used in the Gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a smart necklace track skin health?
Devices like The90 Gem use built-in sensors to measure solar radiation (UVA and UVB). This data is synced to an app that calculates the user’s risk levels based on personal health information and sunscreen usage.
Are smart necklaces replacing smartwatches?
Not necessarily. Industry analysts suggest that necklaces are more likely to be used alongside existing wearables as a specialized secondary device for specific health needs.
What is the primary benefit of specialized wearables?
Specialized wearables, such as those for glucose monitoring or sun exposure, offer targeted data that general-purpose fitness trackers may not provide, allowing for more personalized health management.
What do you think about the future of wearable tech? Are you interested in specialized health trackers, or do you prefer an all-in-one device? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more updates on health innovations.
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