Last night was just like any other in Downtown Orlando. Except with food trucks, zombies, and tech talks. They call it Trucks & Tech: Truckpocalypse, and many of us went down to Lake Eola to take part in this budding community event.

Our very own Director of Technology, Jim Powell, spoke on a panel on wearables, shedding light on what’s to come of these technologies. He was joined by fellow panelist, Josh Murdock, and host Ted Murphy, in a compelling conversation about aspects that will either make wearables, from Glass to kinetic gloves, just a fleeting fad or a staple of our society.

Despite utility, the biggest hurdles with devices like augmented reality headsets or behavior tracking bracelets include fashion, privacy, and development. Jim made a valid point that when cell phones first upgraded with built-in cameras, it was a huge scandal. Now it’s commonplace and convenient. Lack of availability and adoption continue to spiral with the resultant absence of application development (beyond APIs), so there seems to be a checkmate until each hurdle is properly addressed.

On the flip side, exciting things to look forward to include the incorporation of Bluetooth 4.0 with iBeacons, taking proximity and geofencing to the next level. Not to mention, the endless possibilities of apps and utility.

Thankfully, the panel didn’t just harp on Google glass and Fitbit. Looking to make life easier, many companies are trying to come up with products to replace the need for passwords and keys. Rather than intrusive, repetitive means of verifying identity, like retina scans or facial recognition, there are more sustainable methods of authentication that capitalize on the fact that the device is worn—think electrocardiogram monitors kits, which are nothing new. An impressive solution entering the market soon is the heart wave-sensing wristband Nymi. There are several others worth checking out, and even adopting into your own routine. Jim said to just explore Kickstarter, and you’d be amazed at what’s already out there. After all, that is where Pebble originated.

With Google’s recent announcement of Android Wear and future accompanying SDK (software development kit), the attention is shifting from the high-profile experiment that is Glass, to real, attainable products that will likely be born and worn by summer time or sooner. People will start investing time and energy into throwing ideas and prototypes in, and we’ll see what floats to the top.

Thanks to IZEA for hosting another successful event to encourage forward thinking. Can’t wait for the next, hopefully zombie-free.

Talking Wearables at Trucks & Tech

Weekly Digital Roundup (3.24.14)