Welcome to another episode of Powering Wearables, a monthly web series covering topics from today’s topic—utilizing thin-film batteries, to flexible batteries, increasing battery efficiency, and more.
Today, we’re talking passive verses active wearables.
One application in particular where wearables are seeing successful uptake is in the world of events. From sports matches to theme parks to festivals, wearables are everywhere. One key distinction is that wearables used in these scenarios are typically “passive” wearables rather than “active.”
Passive wearables are pre-programmed, making it easy for users to activate and use for specific purposes at prescribed end points. Active wearables – smartwatches for example – are more complex, interactive and can be programmed by the individual to interface with other machines or applications in their broader daily life.
When it comes to music festivals, theme parks, stadiums and other venues, passive wearables such as temporary, disposable wristbands are often the way to go because they are more simple and manageable.
These wearables have definite benefits for both the consumer and the brand hosting and organizing the event.
For the consumer, the fact that these wristbands can handle contactless payments and ticketless entry means less time waiting in line for refreshments or to get into the venue in the first place. They are safe and streamlined, and they eliminate the need to carry cash or a wallet. And, for the event host, can you say branding?
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)