Sure, some companies lean into machine learning more than others, but no watch has yet to offer the tailored experience I imagine to be possible.
My growing resentment of daily step goals
With unfettered access to key health and fitness tracking metrics and more time on my person than anything else I own, my smartwatch or ring should have a fairly personalized knowledge of my habits and goals. Generally speaking, I am active early in the morning, slow down during working hours, and peak in the evenings. I walk a ton, run or cycle regularly, lift occasionally, and drink water, well, never. My heart rate is above average at baseline, my stress levels are indiscernible, and my sleep schedule is that of a midnight vigilante (very limited). I know all this about myself, and I expect my device to learn it with ease after a few days on my wrist.
My habits are fairly regular, but my smartwatch fails to adapt to them.
The fact of the matter is that no platform should cater to a base of cookie-cutter users. Whether you are a dedicated athlete or completely new to tracking, few lifestyles conform to conventional health and fitness goals. People also get sick, have hectic weekends, or just want rest days. The current systems available on most smartwatches are relentless when they should be able to adapt to me getting the flu or taking a day off.
From annoying push notifications to illogical prompts, the experience does not feel personalized.
Do you think AI will make wearables better?
5 votes
How AI can maybe help
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword (buzz phrase?), it’s actively improving the user experience across the spectrum of technologies. On wearables, AI is already used to transmit data, bolster algorithms for recording data (like heart rate readings on the Google Pixel Watch 2, for example), and even facilitate more predictive analysis. It is not a pipe dream to imagine so much more. My wishlist for AI features is as follows:
- A personalized interface with data fields uniquely relevant to me.
- Intelligent, insightful notifications tailored to my habits, goals, and experiences (if my time zone changes, realize I’m traveling and adjust accordingly).
- AI-powered coaching based on healthy goals for my unique body and fitness level.
In other words, I want a truly personalized smartwatch experience. If AI can deliver the tools necessary for my device to intuitively serve my needs, I will stop telling people we’re all headed toward the plot of I Robot.
With AI, wearables could smartly adapt to personal goals, needs, and schedules.
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