a16z Podcast | The Wearables Session

TL;DR

Wearable computing is an exciting and evolving field with potential applications in fitness, health, fashion, and communication. The possibilities for wearables are just beginning to be explored.

Transcript

hi this is Chris Dixon this is a 16z podcast i'm here with christina Macondo who's these co-founder and CEO ringly which is a wearable computing company and we're gonna talk about wearable computing today so hi Christina hey good things so what so what do you think's exciting now I mean people are excited about the you know Apple of course is rumor... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍⚕️ The future of wearable computing is an exciting and evolving field with potential applications in fitness, health, fashion, and communication.
• 💝 Multiple wearable devices are likely to become the norm, with people buying new devices to keep up with the latest trends and features.
• 🤗 The ability of wearables to connect to devices, the self, other individuals, and physical spaces opens up a wide range of possibilities.
• 😒 Enterprise use cases may lead the way in wearable technology adoption, driven by factors such as energy efficiency and cost savings.
• 🪡 Kickstarter and direct sales enable easier access to funding and the ability to sell products directly to consumers without the need for traditional retail channels.
• 😒 The future of wearables may see the convergence of various technologies and network effects, unlocking new and innovative use cases.
• 🖐️ Design and aesthetics play an essential role in wearable technology, with a shift towards creating beautiful and functional devices with a focus on solving specific problems.

Questions & Answers

Q: What excites Christina Macondo the most about the future of wearable computing?

Christina Macondo is most excited about what wearable devices can do in the future and believes that the industry is just scratching the surface of its potential.

Q: Will the average person have multiple wearable devices?

According to Christina Macondo, yes, the average person will likely have multiple wearable devices, akin to buying clothing for different seasons.

Q: What are the different spaces emerging in the wearable computing industry?

Christina Macondo identifies fitness, health, fashion, and communication as the different spaces emerging in the wearable computing industry.

Q: How can wearables be used for identification and payment?

Wearables, such as the Nimmi bracelet mentioned by Christina Macondo, can use biometrics to uniquely identify individuals and potentially be used for payment. These wearables communicate with a user's phone and other devices through Bluetooth technology.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Christina Macondo, co-founder and CEO of Ringly, discusses the exciting future of wearable computing in areas such as fitness, health, fashion, and communication.

• She highlights the potential for wearables to evolve beyond their current capabilities and the emergence of new spaces in the industry.

• The conversation explores the idea of multiple wearable devices and their lifecycle, with people buying new devices to keep up with the latest trends and features.