Word Count: 1036 Wearable Technology - Fitness Trackers Advancements in smart technology open possibilities of innovation with the recent production of miniature devices. These devices are attached to body parts and clothes, thus the wearable technology industry. This technology is revolutionising smart technology whereby applications are integrated into small, light and convenient devices such as smart watches, fitness trackers, sports watches, head-mounted displays, smart clothing and smart jewellery. Wearable technology devices serve the purpose of monitoring and providing convenience in situations where actual handling of smart phones is impossible, as handled by fitness trackers. Data handling is managed by the wearable technology system and synchronised with smart phones. The trackers’ applications allows users to record their fitness schedules and monitor their progress based on the data-captured workouts. As exemplified by the Nike+ FuelBand in the United States, innovation, production and use of fitness trackers derive positive effects through design and data integration whilst conflicting with the environment from resultant waste management after use.
Product description The Nike+ FuelBand is a water-resistant fitness-tracking wearable device that is worn around the wrist. The tracker is fitted with an in-built display and standby battery of up to 4 hours in active sessions. It houses a rechargeable battery and an indicator to alert user on power consumption. It uses motion-sensing technology to record data when the user is active. The device’s tracking metrics are movements, pace, time and calories which are converted to NikeFuel. The developers restricted measurement to a single unit, NikeFuel, to easily redirect all data recorded into a simplified system of fitness analysis and comparison. Nike+ Fuelband accommodates fitness analytics for single user profiles. Data is synched through wired, wireless (Direct USB and Bluetooth) capabilities. The downside of the hardware components of the Nike+ FuelBand is that it does not have media playback controls which are consumer-preferred to keep users entertained while working out. Recorded movements and calories during an active session get converted to NikeFuel. NikeFuel is recorded as a milestone measured against the daily goals a user usually sets for him or herself. Since the device is integrated with the iOS or Android application, the daily records are uploaded to a user’s Nike+ virtual account. For fitness analysis, the user's account database uses available data resources to track fitness progress. An upgraded version, Nike+ FuelBand SE, enables the recording of large data input such as frequency, intensity and magnitude. The ability to offer real-time feedback to users reminds them of their fitness schedules while insights make the wearable device a game-changer with how it integrates larger units of data and maintains a two-way device communication with the user. The FuelBand concept of development in the United States was met with pre-orders from Nike online store (NikeStore.com) before the official release. The reception in sales also translated to utility in gym and fitness centres all over North America. The United States alone retails over 17-top-selling fitness trackers to millions of Americans sensitive of their fitness schedules and workout outputs (Austin, 2015). According to a research done by Price WaterHouse Coopers, one in every five Americans owns a wearable tech fitness device (Comstock, 2014). The region is optimist about wearable technology, embraces innovation and ascertains its importance in improving health of users. Figure 1, represents the percentage population of Americans' perception towards wearable technology.

Source: (PWC, Comstock, 2014)
Users of fitness trackers in America are not restricted by their demographic traits as opposed to other technology where consumers need to be exposed financially and socially to own and use smart devices effectively. This support of fitness trackers in America is promoted by endorsement from health institutions such as the American Institute of Cancer Research. Cancer researchers at the institute have conducted research that proves the effectiveness of the devices in boosting health through consistent physical activity (Collins, 2016).
Effects of Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has redefined information security in the current and future development of smart technology. Data security remains the most serious challenge that data and device producers face. Smart phone applications often fail to pass the 3.7 rating due to associated customer complaints on information insecurity. Developers of wearable tech already assure of data security since much of the data sets contain personal information. For complex wearables such as fitneas trackers, data security issues are addressed during the design stage by integrating a collaborative global networked computing interface of sensors and software (Morabito, 2016). Such precautions are implemented early to avoid legal and political scrutiny which might affect the wearable technology industry. The entrance of wearable technology in the smart innovation industry continues to increase technological and business productivity. Organizations are procuring wearables to monitor fatigue levels of employees; a way of maximising full productivity on job performances. In addition, sensors in most trackers help to anticipate and avoid accidents. A research by Rackspace branded 'Human Cloud at Work' established that employees wearing wearables are more productive than those without (Rackspace, 2014). Empirical evidence indicates that wearables, especially fitness trackers have significant productivity in improving the health of Americans. Most citizens give up their fitness and wellness programs due to associated costs in gyms and costs of fitness equipment. Nevertheless, affordable devices constantly remind users on their programs, thereby shifting user paradigm on fitness convenience. Reduction of calories has been medically proven to assist patients evade health conditions such as obesity, a medical issue of concern among Americans (Collins, 2016). Even with the positive impacts of wearable technology, the wave of innovation could potentially contribute to increased environmental e-wastes whose unrecyclable components consist of 70% materials in American landfills (Bryson & McCann, 2008). The large consumerism of the products is expected to further increase e-wastes produced from wearables. Unless manufactures formulate strategies to deal with the large influx of wearable devices, continued production will introduce a new influx of e-waste that continues to restrain e-waste recycling.
Conclusion
Wearable technology innovation depends on data management, consumer handling and environmental impact. Despite the challenges and future uncertainty in the industry, wearable technology proves to be the future of digital revolution. The integral part that wearable technology companies' resources ought to play is to address consumer needs while taking advantage of simplistic designs that appeal conveniently and aesthetically to the consumers.

References
Austin, P. (2015). Fitness Trackers for Big and Small Budgets. Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/fitness-trackers/fitness-trackers-for-big-and-small-budgets/
Bryson, D. & McCann, J. (2008). Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology. New York: Elsevier.
Collins, K. (2016). AICR Health Talk, American Institute of Cancer Institute. Retrieved from http://www.aicr.org/press/health-features/health-talk/2016/01-jan/Fitness-trackers-activity.html
Comstock, J. (2014). PwC: 1 in 5 Americans owns a wearable, 1 in 10 wears them daily. Retrieved from http://mobihealthnews.com/37543/pwc-1-in-5-americans-owns-a-wearable-1-in-10-wears-them-daily
Morabito, V. (2016). The Future of Digital Business Innovation: Trends and Practices. New York: Springer.
Nike+ FuelBand Plus. http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/nikeplus-fuel
Rackspace. (2014). The Human Cloud at Work a Study into the Impact of Wearable Technologies in the Workplace. London: Goldsmiths, University London, pp. 1-17.