Wearable devices are still quite new in today’s society, but they are becoming more and more common with each passing day. They come in many shapes and forms; wristbands that track your steps or heart rate during physical activity, smartwatches that display notifications from your phone onto your wrist, glasses that help you read without having to squint at books across the room… The list goes on. For now, let’s focus solely on wrist-worn wearable devices, like smartwatches and bracelets.
Step one: customization and charging
Once you’ve removed your new wearable device from its box, the first thing you’re going to want to do is set it up to fit your needs. Most devices come pre-loaded with a basic version of their intended app that will allow users to change notification settings or watch faces (if applicable). If no changes can be made without connecting to a computer or phone, make sure you have downloaded the correct companion apps before attempting any further customization. Once your device is fully charged and ready for use, proceed through this step quickly so you may get acquainted with the interface if necessary. As a general rule of thumb: try not to spend too much time customizing your wearable device in the initial set-up process, as this can become frustrating when you’re just starting.
Step two: daily use
Upon completing the first step, you should be able to use your wearable device with ease. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that there’s nothing more to learn! Most devices have their special features and tricks they can do; some may need adaption before they behave like intended (such as pairing additional devices for specific functionality). If you want to make the most out of your new companion, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind. Without further ado…
Wear it properly!
It might seem like this should be a given, but wearing your wearable device properly can become a real issue for some users. For example, if you have an Apple Watch, don’t wear it too tight against your wrist, or you will reduce its accuracy quite drastically. This goes for most devices with heart rate sensors; always keep the sensor on the underside of your wrist instead of on its side to ensure proper tracking. If you find that your device hangs loosely enough not to interfere with movement while performing arm activities (such as typing at a computer), then by all means, test it out and see if it makes a difference!
Be conscious of how much time you spend using the screen
Honestly, this is probably something you should consider with any device you frequently use throughout the day, not just wearable ones. However, because wearable devices are still so new, we tend to forget about the amount of time we’re spending staring at a screen and the negative effects on our eyesight.
Enable airplane mode when needed
This is especially important if you’re using your wearable device to track health-related data such as heart rate or steps taken. Constantly having your phone connected to satellite tracking (even if you’re not actively using it) can affect the accuracy and even cause battery drainage. Turning on airplane mode when you don’t need GPS or cellular data will help conserve energy and keep your data readings more consistent.
Use voice commands when possible.
This is a great way to keep your hands free while performing other tasks, like driving or cooking. If you’re unsure how to do this with your device, a quick online search will help get you started.
Keep track of app updates.
Like any other app on your phone or computer, wearable device apps are susceptible to updates that can improve performance or fix glitches. Make sure you check for these updates regularly and install them as needed; often, they will be automatic, but some devices (like the Apple Watch) require manual intervention.
Reset the device if problems persist
If you’re still experiencing issues with your wearable device after trying all of the above suggestions, don’t be afraid to try a reset! This is also a good way to start from scratch when you’re customizing your device if your settings cause any interference.
Remember, it’s only one tool of many.
Wearable devices are meant to be used in addition to their companion apps, not as replacements. Even though they may monitor aspects of your health and fitness, they should never take precedence over going out and getting proper physical exercise. The main purpose of these devices is to give real-time feedback about activities that can help measure progress toward better living – nothing more!