A combination of fitness trackers, smartwatches and sensor technology are already disrupting the health industry. Commercially it is booming business but there is still an area of the industry that receives a lot less media coverage but holds equal potential. Medical health, which is something close to our hearts quite literally.

There are problems people face every day that come with chronic illnesses and old age. In a lot of cases, the disease are currently incurable. With the increased adoption of smart devices, there is a plethora of new innovations that are set address these issues. This makes wearables an exciting market as it tackles major illnesses one after another.

Here we have identified 5 major illnesses that wearables could combat in the medical health industry:

1. Diabetes

Sourced by thejointblog.com

Technically, insulin pumps are a form of wearables and has been around as far back as 1981. Although, automatically delivering doses of insulin into the body is only the start. Over the last few years there are some very exciting innovations that are either already available or in production. For instance:

●     Key players in the market are working on technology that will be able to measure sugar levels through the skin using ultrasound

●     Also interesting, is rumoured a 5 mm long sensor that’s inserted under the skin. Although there is work to be done as a scanner is needed to see the results and it has to be replaced every two weeks.

●     Google is also developing a contact lens which uses tear fluid to measure a number of health-related factors.

2. Alzheimer’s Disease

Sourced by http://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/25/tech/innovation/alzheimers-smart-home/

Alzheimer’s Disease is a scary and difficult reality for many aging people and their families. As memories start to fade, a number of problems - both emotional and practical – start to unfold. The elderly may not be as quick to adopt smart devices but there’s a lot of room to embrace smartwatch technology in order to make their lives easier.

Here are some features being developed for the smartwatch that should be particularly useful.

●     Timely notifications: As set reminders to take medicine or perform other basic tasks to maintain their health

●     GPS tracking: for the many carers and family members constantly concerned that their loved one might go wandering off and not find their way back. These in-built tracking capabilities can give peace of mind and provide a more functional life

●     Sleep monitors: As sleep problems often plague sufferers, and irregular sleep patterns can lead to further complications, such as reminiscence loss and night-time wandering. Tracking would very useful for times when patients cannot always remember or identify these problems.

3. Autism

Sourced by www.flickr.com

Autism has been known to take over the lives of the person with the condition along with his or her family. Parents often have to make difficult career decisions such as quitting in order to provide full time care.

Yet despite all the time they dedicate, it’s still incredibly difficult to understand what their child is feeling. Researchers are set to change this as they are already using wristbands to detect arousal in children with autism. Giving parents a more accurate indication of their child needs.

4. Neck and back issues

Sourced by www.flickr.com

One of the unfortunate consequences of our relationship with technology is bad posture. Being hunched over a screen of any size will inevitably cause back and neck issues. Now there is a solution round the corner.

Valedo is just one of the companies developing a product which detects problems with your posture. It works through sensors that you place under your chin and on your back, which then assess what you’re doing wrong and tells you how to fix it.

Wearables devices will also aid in solving this problem on a broader basis. As we move away from screens held in front of our faces, our postures will no longer need be compromised to make use of technology.

5. Cardiovascular disorders, lung conditions, and early detection

Conditions affecting your vitals such asthma, abnormality in heart rate are made easier to track with wearable technology. Early detection is becoming more accessible with new innovations playing an important part in early diagnoses which could be the difference between life and death. This will make it much more difficult for illness to creep up on you.

Research

Sourced by www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com

In a broader sense, wearable technology is transforming the health industry by providing unique opportunities for research. With mainstream adoption, the amount of data that can be collected and analysed is immense. This will lead to clinical trials becoming less costly and more manageable, as well as providing information that could lead to discoveries regarding the nature of certain illnesses. Discoveries that will lead to new treatments and preventative measures.

As a wearables startup, we’re excited about the health possibilities our product can provide. It’s an important part of our development goals and of major importance to life itself. We hope our open source approach will give experts the opportunity to create their own medical components into the Blocks smartwatch.

Technology has the ability to blow our minds on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes it fails us - like when your smartphone takes a minute longer than it should to upload that bathroom selfie to Instagram. More often, we fail technology. Here are the most hilarious examples of people doing just that.

1. Keeping up with the Joneses

Trying to keep up with those around us can sometimes be a very motivating experience. This family doesn’t seem motivated enough.

2. Enormous Blue Screen of Death

It’s bad enough when this happens on your PC or laptop. When you’re broadcasting to your whole neighbourhood, the blue screen of death is something nobody wants to see.

3. Does the camera outdate this old woman?

Cameras have been around long enough that this woman can’t complain about being born in the wrong generation. To be fair to her… nope, can’t think of any reason to be fair.

4. Can’t Even Complete…

Microsoft Windows got so fed up with this user that it just can’t. Not even “can’t even”. Just can’t.

5. Macbook Cheese

This image makes me want to throw my hands around my Macbook and never let it go. I will never do this to you Mr Pro, I promise! Seriously, I can’t think of a single reason someone might have done this.

6. Guess the sequence

Yeah, it’s time for a security upgrade. Firstly, did no one tell you not to make it 1,2,3,4? Secondly, this makes me want to break into your house - it’s just so tempting!

7. Need a new ride

I can only assume that those TVs are bust. Possibly picked out from the dump, by some guy trying to pimp his ride. Next time, go with the racing stripes. Those are totes dope.

8. What’s that slot?

Hmmm… Millennials… Now, I understand if you don’t know what a tape deck is, but you surely know this is not the way to plug in an iPhone. Someone’s trolling us.

9. Deats by Bre

Dude, those aren’t fooling anyone. At least make the pic blurry, so that it kinda looks like you got the real deal. By the way, your vest is inside out.

10. Still better than a Walkman

Yes, I get it. You can’t afford expensive headphones. But you can’t even afford a cheap pair that won’t damage your ears or make you look like an insane Jim Carey?

11. New Years’ Hangover

We all know the feeling of waking up after a night of partying and not knowing what day it is. Good thing for us that it’s not our job to keep count.

12. Internet Explorer

This person probably got a virus while using Internet Explorer, that fed him this piece of information in order to continue using everyone’s favourite browser to destroy his life.

13. Listening to rock

She might be a hippie, who is at one with nature. But if she’s at one, why does she need to connect with headphones? And why is she indoors? So many questions!

14. Rich people suck pt. 1

Macbook Air. Now a knife. Why? “Because I’m rich and I want everyone to know.” Thanks, we now all know and hate you.

15. iPhad

No one uses their iPad like this. She’s not even calling anyone. Busted.

16. Nasal Telescope

And now, an invention. This is a fail all round. It’s a fail for stoners, who are more likely to be caught. It’s a fail for the police, because no one will ever take them seriously again. And it’s a fail for thousands of sniffer dogs who are now out of work.

17. Under The Sea

This girl’s ahead of her time. Unfortunately, her technology’s not. Girl, your laptop’s dead now.

18. It’s always the printer

I’ve never had a printer work for me for more than 2 days. This is what it looks like when a machine gets explosive diarrhoea.

19. Ok, not always the printer

Sometimes it’s the person using the printer. Good luck with that.

20. Rich people suck pt 2

Why? Just why? That’s a virtual chopping board, in case you didn’t spot it. Whoever designed that app has too much time, and whoever’s using it has too much money.

21. Rich people suck pt 3

I remember when I got my first doorstopper. Not really. But I do remember my first tablet, because it was more exciting than a friggin doorstopper!

22. I found a way to save my screen!

The owner of this iPad is going to be mighty disappointed when he realises his smart idea is actually insane. And when the image comes out with bright lights reflecting all over.

23. Why won’t it just open?!

Even smarter than the previous one. Once she figures out how to flatten it, she’ll probably be out a laptop and a scanner.

24. You’ve failed me, Siri

Oh Siri. Alcoholics Anonymous is gonna have your a** for 13th stepping. When someone no longer wants to drink, don’t encourage them.

25. The latest all-in-one

I’m not sure what’s happening here. This woman has clearly given up on life, and whoever’s taking the photo is laughing. Go save her already!\

26. Ye Olde Tipex Quip

This is such an old joke that I’m fairly certain this is fake. Nonetheless, she’s clearly game, and acting the part well.

27. More Siri trolling

No one believes you, Siri! And stop calling me out on my search history. We’ve all got our needs!

28. Toast’s ready

My mother dropped a cigarette in the toaster once. She didn’t tell anyone, and just let us find out when we tried to make breakfast.

29. Two head(phone)s are better than one

To be fair, there are times you need in-ear, and times you need on-ear. I’ve got 2 pairs which I switch fairly regularly, and this just seems convenient.

30. Rich people suck pt 3

Two options: 1) buy an umbrella. 2) let your hair get wet.

31. So this is limbo?

So you’re on or you’re off? Both? Yes, of course I want my phone on!

32. Camera Reprise

Again?!

33. Mapple Acbook

It’s real, I swear it. The Apple just looks weird because it’s a special edition. And the screen looks like paper because it’s emulating a Kindle.

34. Safe and sound

Nice ride. But when you’re living life in the fast lane, you need adequate protection. I suggest upgrading to a colander.

35. Chairs are technology too

Good friends always help you see the funny side. Great friends do it while helping you get unstuck.

36. Hey everyone! We got a hot tuuuuuuuu-b

Let the house come down. At least the neighbours know that we’re the coolest on the block.

37. Bad dog

Take that self-satisfied look off your face. You’re in big trouble. You have to listen to me shouting at you in a cute voice, and you’re not gonna like it.

38. In an alternate universe

Acer, we need some answers. Who are you hanging out with? They’re corrupting your hard drive.

39. Seems legit

I’m not even sure that’s a real calculator. But maybe Apple are taking a new direction. They do like to surprise us.

40. What would Bill say?

No one wants you, Microsoft. You remind us of the old days of slow computers and blue screens.

41. Seems legit pt 2

I love those old iPhones. They were so sturdy, wouldn’t break even if you threw them off a cliff.

42. Er…

You’re gonna attract the wrong kinda people, Payless ShoeSource. We suggest a bit of maintenance might do you good.

43. It’s back!

Apple allowed us to move past the CD Walkman. No more gymming with a bulky… Oh wait. Never mind.

44. Everyone loves balloons

They don’t work great as TV surveillance though. Unless you’re looking for a balloon thief.

45. Another sign fail

No comment

46. Too much secret sauce?

This is a terrible thing to happen. Let’s give a moment’s consideration to the victims of this calamity.

47. When technology goes too far

That this is possible isn’t the worst part. It’s that this is what we’re choosing to make possible.

48. Just shake it a bit

That always helps.

49. Seafood with a side of deception

I pretend that I want to eat my dog’s food, so that he’ll like it more. It’s just a little white lie.

50. Go home Windows. You’re drunk.

I reckon it’s safer to press the reset button than one of these options. But maybe we should just keep quiet and trust Wandows.

51. Bendgate Reprise

Remember when the iPhone 6+ was bending? Apple seems to want us to.

52. The only flash stick that made it to a birthday

Clearly not a technology fail, but a human fail. Where is the standard of cake masters we’ve come to expect?

53. Wait… what?

What era is this? What phone is that? Who is Dick Smith? What’s the point of it all?!

54. Technology WIN

This is the future. Oh wait, it’s just a shadow.

55. America Fail

10 in 10 Americans have HTML, so there.

56. You had one (technically two) job(s)

Left and right can be confusing, but it never has to go this far. Just swallow your pride and ask for directions.

57. Beta model

Acer are trying to rival Apple’s mouse pad functionality by being completely insane.

58. I have seen the promised land!

But you don’t have eyes!

59. Promises, promises

Never. Nothing will ever beat this. 128kb, you hear that? This is all you’ll ever need.

60. So they have a use

My old TV just sits there sadly, wishing it could hold up one of these shmancy things. But I’ve got a wall thingy.

61. Humanity FAIL

How is technology making your life better? Have any of these happened to you?

Some people like to work out the old fashioned way. And no, I don’t mean squatting instead of using the leg machines. The old fashioned way is working the fields, building muscle all over, while getting a great tan, and growing produce all at the same time.

But staying fit has changed in a world in which most of us never have to life a spade. The latest step is the smartwatch, and these people have yet to learn it:

1. If not now, when?

When you’re rowing to keep afloat in that flood, that’s when. Sometimes you can be a bit too attached to your routine. Latest fitness software will teach you to be a little more adaptable.

2. 5 More Minutes

Well done for getting to the gym. But maybe it’s time to get an alarm app that doesn’t let you sleep in. Maybe even gives you some motivation.

3. Good parenting

Sometimes it’s hard to find a sitter. That shouldn’t mean you have to skip the gym. Maybe try something a little less hazardous for your kid.

4. No pain no gain

Back pain is expected when you’re not sure what you’re doing. When you’re doing what this guy’s doing, back pain is the least of your worries

5. Brains are mightier than braun

And brauny brains are even mightier. Gym can be a far more pleasant experience when you’ve got the technology to learn your weaknesses.

6. Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be so hard. Time for this dude to go back to the start. And if you’re listening to Coldplay at the gym, you’re doing it wrong.

7. Good friend

And then draws attention to him by taking photos of it and letting everyone on the internet know. Nice work.

8. Nap time

Dogs shouldn’t buy treadmills. It’s hard for them to reach the buttons, too easy for them to lie down and rest, and they probably don’t know how it works.

9. Let’s celebrate losing that weight

By eating doughnuts. Some sneaky goings on here. That’s what happens when the sweets industry tries to merge with fitness. You can use technology to figure out exactly why this is a bad idea.

10. Coming soon…

…to a fails compilation near you(tube). Well done dude, but there’s only so much longer your luck can last.

11. But I’m hungry

Did you know that 99% of fitness apps discourage eating on the treadmill? You do now.

12. That escalated quickly

Maybe they’re an arms-only gym. Top heavy. Maybe you have to come through an extreme obstacle course to get out the other side.

13. Bonding

“Hey bro. I’ll show you how to do it.” “Are you sure this is how you spot?” “Yeah, yeah, I saw it online.”

14. When you need a new app (or lifestyle)

MyFitnessPal. This better be a last resort to shock the user into action. Otherwise you’re failing us all.

15. Doing it right

Facebook updates can motivate you. But what should be more motivational is Facebook pics of you bursting out of that hat (because your head’s so muscular).

16. Her leg routine

This is how she does top and bottom at the same time. Heels really work those calves. It’s what all the experts advise.

17. You never know

The experts also advise playing it safe at all times. When you’re cycling at high speed, you don’t want to take tisks.

18. Motivation

Sometimes your bros can give you motivation. Sometimes leave it to your smartwatch.

19. I saw someone else doing this

No you didn’t. That person was cleaning it after resting their hindquarters there.

20. More rewards

Social network points can be unsatisfying. But they’re a better rewards system than this.

21. Disaster in 3…

Hopefully someone has their smartphone with them. Because paramedics need to be here now.

22. He’s actually an old lady

She’s just kept in great shape and has boyish good looks.

23. Don’t forget legs!

You need a balanced workout bro. It’s amazing your top half is still balancing on those stick insects.

24. Brains and braun

You don’t need to know maths if you have a smartwatch. Focus on your workout, but don’t get fooled by the analytical minded.

25. Seems legit

This is my kind of gym. I found it on Foursquare. I’m the mayor of it now.

26. Easy

“I photoshopped them out of the mirror. I swear!”

27. Probably uses the escalators

Balance! Get a Zen master. Or a fitness app. The 2nd. Definitely the 2ns.

28. Before/After

But not new sweatpants. That’s when you know you’re getting somewhere.

29. Batwoman

Or just plain batty. I hope she’s having fun up there, looking down at us mere mortals.

30. Keep on the line

Some people should be constantly connected to emergency services. I feel like the photographer should be saving this man’s life, but getting a pic is cool too.

31. Working the neck

Not that the correct way is much less awkward. It is much less likely to leave you paralysed for life.

32. No sweating

I guess this is one of those gyms where the rich go, and their lackeys do the work for them. Maybe it’d be easier just to track your steps.

33. Parenting win

Nice. Now it’s time to start her on a regime. Get her some nice tech, and pretend it’s a treat and not a plea.

34. Oooooooof

What a perfect example of how wrong working out can go. Try to imagine that scene without sound. Is it possible not to hear that thump and oof?

35. Outfit on fleek

Girl, you need a good friend. Or a friend.

36. A fitness miracle

This is when you know you need external motivation. Let your smartwatch give you reminders, and encouragement. And punishment when you’re doing bad.

37. I could go with this

It’s certainly better for the knees. And for the calories that you’re taking care of. You’ll never get burnt guys. Never.

38. Should have practised

Well done to him for turning up. If that was my pale skinny body, I’d stick to working the fields in an attempt to achieve anything close to the right shape. I’d definitely stay away from comparisons with super-buff guys.

39. Fitness solutions

Well done for not giving up. I hope he’s got something to look at in there, otherwise the dusty darkness will be that final straw.

40. Balloons!

A hit at any kid’s birthday party. Just make sure you stay away from the naughty ones who like popping things. Again, this is an example of what happens when you don’t have the information readily available to keep things natural.

41. Seems legit pt 2

You’re getting there, mate. All you’ve gotta do now, is cut down on the photoshop, and exercise a bit more.

42. But it’s a bicycle

This isn’t just a gym fail. It’s a “not knowing what a bicycle is” fail. Yes, it’s stationary, but that changes nothing.

43. Too old to care

This is how we’d all like gym to be. Most of us are not yet at the stage where we’ll allow it to be like this. If this lady had a smartwatch, she could find out the health benefits of drinking red wine.

44. Old school

Another opportunity to work out the old fashioned way. Put down those shovels and run for your lives. Still safer than some of the fails above.

45. Multitasking fail

Don’t take your work to gym. Modularity anyone?

46. Ultimate disaster

Technology can positively impact your health. Just make sure you’re using the right technology.

How else will technology save your workout? What other gym disasters have happened?

Smartwatches are here to stay, with amazing capabilities and growing uses. But they’re still pretty recent, and up until now people would do all they could to get that elusive wearable technology.

These 22 pics show us the evolution of the smartwatch

1. Masking Tape FTW

At least he’s found a nice way to tape it to his arm. Masking tape is sticky,but comes off easily when you need it to. This guy is smart.

2. Literally

This is a smartwatch simply because it’s always tight. Not particularly useful, but super accurate nonetheless. It represents an early step towards modern technology.

3. Looks comfortable

Aside from the inevitable dents in the wrist, and numb hand at the end of the day, this wearer has found a very workable solution to her lack of a smartwatch. It looks like it’s clipped on very securely.

4. Early apples

It’s a little known fact that before it became a tech corp, apple was actually a fruit. Thus we have the early version of the Apple Watch.

5. 1981

This is a real image of a 1981 prediction of smartwatches. It’s quite nifty, seeing as the first example was produced 3 decades later. Well done people of 1981.

6. Keyboard and all

For those who missed the functionality of a Blackberry, the solution came in the form of the Blackberry/Seiko Crossover Watch. Full keyboard, the old-fashioned Blackberry bulk, and calculations galore.

7. Accurate

Another example of a literal smartwatch, which were very popular in the early days. It’s important to have these reminders.

8. Teen Conan

Har har har. He’s referring to a very real problem, though, which is in the process of being solved by a new start-up called Blocks Wearables who is building the world’s first modular smartwatch.

9. Bringing us back to basics

Advancing technology is giving us the opportunity to go back to basics, such as exercising regularly. Of course, for those looking towards progress that involves more sitting than standing, it can be a little frustrating.

10. Early usage

The early usage of any technology is confined to fart noises. Smartwatches are no different.

11. Blue screen of death

Microsoft unfortunately is still associated with the blue screen common throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s. In developing their own smartwatches, this is what many expected.

12. Farming watch

Very useful for a hungry farmer back in the day, the early Apple Watch was actually edible. It was also easily replaceable, as long as you owned an Apple Tree (iTree).

13. Convenient

This wonderful piece of technology was useful to those who needed to keep track of the differences in temperature between indoors and outdoors. Unfortunately, it involved being constantly wired to the ground.

14. Flip-watch

If smartwatches one felt inferior to flip-phones, they no longer do. Flip-phones were cool once, but smartwatches are just too clever for them.

15. Smartphone-watch

Another great use of masking tape, the solution presented in this early prototype offered a beautiful specimen. It was ultimately deemed too bulky.

16. Watch out

Oh dear.

17. Old school

Some people like their watches to be old school, and Big Ben is a popular choice for time telling.

18. Wrists are overrated

Some people like their wrists to be free. But what for? For little bangles or bracelets? You can generate a virtual bracelet if you’re so desperate.

19. Tinder

As technology evolves to facilitate your love life, so are smartwatches evolving to be discreet and relevant to your needs.

20. Pre-wireless

This picture harkens to an age before wireless technology. Now you can connect to headphones via bluetooth, the internet through WiFi, and your information through the Cloud.

21. Those were the days

In the ‘90s, this is what people imagined the future to look like. Fortunately, technology has evolved plenty since we were stuck on this image for hours.

22. Flipping switches

This is actually a new version of the smartwatch, which I put together in my basement. It’s not much, but at least it was cheap, and can tell the time. Although that’s not actually the time.

What technology did you wear before modern smartwatches? Any photo evidence?

Blocks Wearables was tasked with designing a Blocks smartwatch concept for Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. Knowing the difficulties of satisfying such a particular character, we instilled the help of our genius Blocks community to assist us.

Below we have outlined the specifications of this amazing watch.

Design

Sheldon’s watch is scientifically designed for maximum ergonomic and practical application of the timepiece-wrist interface whilst finally bringing it into the 21st century. The look has a Stainless steel finish with a 42mm watch face in the theme of his favourite superhero – The Flash.

Each block is also coated in a special antimicrobial material to combat foreign pathogens. A small package of wipes has also been included to maintain the hygienic criteria set by Sheldon himself.

Watchface

“Everything is better with Bluetooth” including this watch face. The in-built bluetooth is both far-reaching in range and powerful in execution. We made sure that its capabilities were well sourced.

As with all watches, we’ve incorporated a timer function – but this one is specifically tailored to utilise Sheldon’s tight schedule of activities . For example, it can:

·         Track Sheldon’s bowel movements. By logging his eating patterns and toilet visits in parallel, the device can provide readings on how quickly food is broken down depending on substance, timing and frequency. The possibilities of this data are limitless.

·         The interface has been designed with the ability to view and edit roommate agreements in real-time wirelessly so it can be sent (via email) to the contacts of his choosing.

Memory Block

This beast of a block by some sort of miracle holds exactly 73GB of storage to meet the precise mark set out by Sheldon’s unshakeable stance on the number 73. We had to employ our best negotiators on a mission to convince a tech conglomerate to provide this chip directly from their R&D department to meet our specification.

Star Trek Communicator

When you lift up the removable shell you can see a miniature Star Trek Communicator with a voice assistant that can both record and engage in conversations. This is Sheldon’s Siri. The voice assistant emulates Spock’s voice and thoughts but it doesn’t end there! It has been programmed to suit the eccentric habits of our user.

·         Firstly, it can replicate Mary Cooper’s voice saying “warm kitty, soft kitty” for when Sheldon needs to be soothed to sleep.

·         Secondly, it self-activates whenever Sheldon knocks on Penny’s door, calling her name three times in between his door knocks.

·         Finally, the voice recognition software can recognise sarcasm within foreign voices. Activated by the to-and-fro of Sheldon’s voice and other foreign entities, it will vibrate to notify our socially inept wearer of sarcasm.

Heart rate monitor

Sheldon’s health is of utmost importance and he would want the most important biological metric available to him at a moment’s notice.

Environment sensor

For his brain activity to reach optimal levels, every room he operates in must be at exactly 71 Fahrenheit.

Flashlight

This works as both a flashlight and a specially designed “night light” for the lonely nights (most of them!) where Sheldon struggles to adjust to the darkness.

Thank you all

The development stretched the technical team to near-maximum capacity but we were able to build a product that will do our end user justice on his travels. Do you feel our smartwatch meets the standards of Sheldon Cooper? Let us know in the comments section.

Credit to all those who contributed. Apologies if we have missed anyone off the list:

·         Yoko Graha Kusuma

·         Chris Brookes

·         Shakti Prasad

·         Beau Seyerle

·         Geoff Gordon

·         Alex Cole

·         Marius Cirsta

·         Andre Tiago Silva

·         Billy Hole

·         David Steinberg

·         Kirk Lopez

·         Jesus Rivera

·         Kieran McGrath

·         Jarred Schulte

How are technology and sex related?

Not long ago, the answer would have been that they’re inversely proportional - the more you use technology, the less sex you have. After all, that’s basically the plot of the first few seasons of The Big Bang Theory.

But new technology is changing that.

Aside from the obvious avenues - the dating and hookup apps and websites - modern innovations are making better, more confident lovers of many doubters.

Viagra Is Old News

So are flavoured condoms, lubricants that make you last longer, and bluetooth sex toys. Still, we must not underestimate what these innovations have done for sexual wellness.

Products like Viagra are obviously the most important of those mentioned above, but the others have vital perks as well. New types of condoms make safe sex more attractive, lowering the risk of STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

Products that help a man last longer can give confidence to those usually too insecure to try improve their love life. Interactive sex toys can keep intimacy in long distance relationships or during arduous business trips.

But technology is taking us much further.

There’s An App For That

There is now a plethora of apps available for your smart devices that can spice things up in the bedroom. And it’s no longer just a kamasutra guide, or tips from experts.

These are a few of the apps that can literally enhance your performance:

·         Spreadsheets: this clever app tracks your performance, in terms of noise levels, duration, and other factors. It then gives you info as to what you can do to improve.

·         Safe Bumping: MedXCom offers you the possibility to bump phones, and immediately share your STD information, so you can feel confident and safe about your sexual activities.

·         Sexy Vibes: literally turn your smartphone into a vibrator.

There are many more available, and developers are coming up with new concepts and innovations all the time.

Smartphones Suck In Bed

This 2013 Huffpost article suggested that 20% of adult Americans have used their smartphones during sex. We all know that smartphones can be a distraction at the best of times. And it’s all too easy to lose intimacy because of any sort of distraction

But there is a way to get the benefits, while taking away the distraction.

So Wear It

A survey in Australia taken 2 years ago, showed that many users of wearable technology believe that it has improved their sex life.

As mentioned previously, tracking capabilities of your smart devices can keep you up to date with your performance, and make you aware of how to improve.

But it’s not just the technological capabilities that are helping. Wearers of smartwatches feel more confident. That’s right. They feel smarter and more attractive, and therefore more confident in the bedroom. This is great because sexual wellness will improve your health in general.

In particular, Blocks Wearables aims to bring the first modular smartwatch to our shelves later this year. Modularity allows you to take only what you need with you. Choose what will enhance your sex-life, but leave out the capabilities that will only distract you (like badly timed texts or emails).

It’s just one way that modularity solves the problem of distraction. It will be a factor in dinners, meetings, workouts, and travel.

Keep up with what Blocks Wearables is doing, and join the campaign to make it a reality.

Click To Win a Blocks Smartwatch

Anarchy. The word that characterised a generation. Flags burning, shops looted, and long dirty hair.

But modern day rules have given us new opportunities for anarchy, and these first world-ers are taking full advantage:

1. Define Good Mood

He clearly isn’t in the mood to listen to signs. And I can commiserate. Be happy signs are the most irritating, self-obsessed, pointless modern creations. For some reason this is important to me.

2. Does this count?

Hold on there. Did you not read the “absolutely”? This sign is serious, dude. You don’t want to mess with it.

3. I’m a bear

Don’t try tell a bear what to do. At best, he’ll ignore you. You don’t want to find out the alternatives.

4. Before 8

Don’t tell me when to eat my chocolate. The whole point of consumerism is that we can do what we want. I’ll even eat it before dinner. So there.

4. Define Bills

Remember when Bill Cosby asked people to meme him? Results were far more disastrous than a crinkled photo.

5. You mean here?

Chewing gum is any cleaner’s nightmare. Putting it in a urinal is taking it to a new level. It’s good to see this anarchist following part of the order.

6. How bout no

No politeness here. Although this audacious rebel is playing it safe by only refusing a sign. Say it to my face!

7. Adapting well

Ok, you won’t give us a quote? What’s the point of a spokesperson then?

8. No good tidings

This town don’t want no positivity.Especially if you have large, bendy thumbs. It says no smiling on the other side.

9. It’s my cutlery

Once you’ve sold it to me, I do with it what I want. Even if you wrote orders on it. This onion’s getting cut however I want it.

10. Watch the world burn

I couldn’t handle this sort of travesty on my watch. All my Crayolas are arranged in the order they’d be in the rainbow.

11. Okay

I have no problem with this sign. I wish it was up above my sink at home. Rebel against it? Not even to spite my parents.

12. No diving

I’m not sure whether to commend this rebel on his dedication to the cause, or to tell him off for wasting time getting geared up. Whatever, it’s always worth the time for a funny pic.

13. You don’t know me

It’s not just any car. It’s a car from Stanford. Education is important to me.

14. Sums up his campaign

Romney may not have won in 2012, but at least he got a year of trolling to add to his resume.

15. I’m a dog

If you want me to listen, you’ve gotta translate it into Wooflish. I know I’m wearing human clothes, but that doesn’t represent my demographic.

16. Funny and sad

No one should ever eat alone. No one should play chess alone either. You know you’ve hit rock bottom when you’re doing both.

17. None of this

Modern signage has given us a vast array of opportunities to emulate the weird things their stick people do. I’ve seen guys slip and fly into the air, just in order to disobey a wet floor sign.

18. Tomorrow I’m wearing them inside out

Has it ever made a difference which sock you put on which foot? Is it really more comfortable? In my experience I haven’t found that, but I haven’t done any double-blind studies or anything.

19. Don’t think about pink elephants

You can’t tell someone not to think about something. I’m even thinking about parking there. It would be better to tell him not to think about parking elsewhere.

20. We’re wanted here

Socks here is taking one for the team. He’s gonna sit here while all his friends take advantage of the new wording.

21. No f***s given

Some people just don’t listen. Those people have nothing on this bird. Not even pretending to keep in line. Kudos.

22. Not quite

There’s no foot in the shoe in that sign. The owners simply don’t want people leaving shoes on their lawn.

23. Freedom

This is what we fought for all those centuries. No envelope is going to take away my liberty. 

24. But he’s so cute!

How is it possible not to pet a dog? Not even this cat can resist. And it’s risking getting eaten!

25. I want to lie in exactly this position

The sign is just giving you good advice. You’re going home with a stiff neck, and grass all over your back. That’s what happens when you try to be cool.

26. Dedication

Green-shirt had to cut off his own head in order to disobey the sign. The only way real progress can happen is if we’re willing to go to all lengths.

27. Technically an overdose

And I drank a glass of Red Bull with them, which the insert said not to. Oh God, it says at risk of diarrhoea. Totally not worth it!

28. Needs a translation, again

Although technically, the dog’s obeying the sign. He’s doing his best to keep off the grass.

29. Nothing gets in the way of Steve Jobs

He was always larger than life. And larger than the rules most of us live by. A fitting tribute. So we fitted in a link to our website - we’re a tech startup, check us out :D (pretty please).

30. Going the distance

I love it when dogs literally do as little as it takes to break the law. They love doing that. It’s a weird dog stereotype I just made up.

31. Or what?

Paper clips are meant to be linked. Did you not see the movie? Those people saved the world, in some way I can’t remember.

32. Looks nothing like me

I don’t think this dog is breaking the law. It’s just not nearly austere enough to fit the description of the sign.

33. My mum told me to look both directions

Breaking the city’s rules, keeping my mother’s.

34. Like father like son

Who would dare outlaw good parenting. Although now they’re breaking the law, can it still be considered good parenting? One of the classic paradoxes that stumped the Ancient Greeks.

35. For the right cause

Never obey offensive signs. That’s how oppression starts.

36. Unrealistic targets

I love sitting as much as the next guy, but sometimes it’s necessary to stand. It’s more effort and all, but it can totally be worth it.

37. Glory days

This bird is simply revisiting the site of its most famous photoshoot. And even though years have passed, it still looks in just as good, if not better, shape.

38. I’m old enough to make my own rules

I eat in my bed, and I sleep at your tables. But don’t try to do the same at my place, or the police are coming for you.

39. Mazes are for lame-os

The modern day rat gets to the cheese by swinging, jumping from high buildings, and running on walls.

40. Tastes weird

Pepsi is one of those things no one will ever mistake for its rival. It’s not like different brands of milk, or coffee, where connoisseurs have no idea what they’re talking about. Pepsi is just not Coke.

41. No thanks

What are you trying to hide? All that’s there is a bunch of trees… wait is that a…

42. Nice try

If only it was that easy to get rid of pigeons. Many aggressive gun-toters would be out of work. Personally, I don’t mind pigeons, as long as they’re not flapping in a panic in my kitchen.

43. Police take notice

The sign here is what’s interesting to me. Police take notice? Is that meant to be please? Or do they want the cops to pay more attention to their property? Or maybe police are the ones not allowed?

44. Define unnecessarily

You need an answer, here it is. Now you’d better reply so that I know if I’m correct. You see what you’ve started?

45. Not worth it

If you try to use even one and a half hands, you’re not getting the towel out of there. It requires the perfect usage of ten fingers spread across.

46. Is that a racoon?

Whatever this little animal is (I’m bad at identifying them), it’s got some verve. Unfortunately, it’s not gonna gain much with that armslength.

47. Don’t count your eggs…

Whenever someone thanks me in advance, I’m bound to screw up. Don’t thank me for how you think I’m gonna drive. You’re asking for trouble.

48. Rebel cat

Cats never listen. They do what they want, and occasionally that’s in line with what you said.

49. Rebel tree

Trees don’t listen either. Well done to this tree - it’s much harder to be an inanimate rebel.

50. I’m the Terminator

Go ahead. Try tell him to put it out. Try tell him never to come back. See what happens.

51. Iguana?

This lizard thingy will stand where it wants. Lizards have been around longer than you. They’ll be around when you’re gone.

52. For the team

No one’s gonna tell my peeps where they can and can’t be. I’m taking care of it. Guys, go where you want.

53. Another cat

Again, cats don’t do what they’re told. You are not their master. You’re their servant.

54. True anarchy

I love meta humour. Whoever did this is a genius.

55. Watch the world burn pt2

And stack them in the order of the rainbow while you’re at it. Don’t let me see different colours mixing.

56. Stairway protest

Don’t tell us where we can sit. What do you think this is?

57. Counting eggs again

If you thank me in advance…

58. This

Another example of weird stickmen giving us new ideas. I never had the urge to do this until I saw the sign.

59. Irony

This dog has a great sense of irony. Better than most people I know.

60. We’re not your captives

We’re just living here for now. Your signs mean nothing. Better not see any humans doing this.

61. Steal This Album!

I did steal this album back in 2002. I would never dream of getting on the wrong side of Serj Tankian. It is what he wanted. Why else would he say it?

What other modern day rules have you had the chance to break? Anything more audacious than these crazy rebels?

Originally published on Blocks Wearables blog site.

Many adulterers may be in hot water after user data was stolen from Ashley Madison - the dating site that helps married people have affairs. While the concept of a “cheating” service may be distasteful to you, and maybe you’re not worried about adulterers being exposed, it brings up a fear that’s certainly relatable.

How do you know your online secrets won’t be exposed? Even if you’re pursuing a perfectly monogamous online relationship, you don’t want everyone to know the details.

1. Use secure websites

There’s no foolproof way to avoid your data being hacked, but one way to compromise yourself is by using unverified sites that aren’t held accountable. This is one reason to use Facebook rather than small social networks like Ello or Tzu, as the biggest social network is also the best maintained and protected.

It’s also a reason to consider paid dating sites rather than the free ones.

2. Use your wearables

Have you ever handed your phone to a friend and immediately regretted it? Maybe there were some pics there that no one was ever supposed to see?

Those days may soon be over. Wearable technology is doing a lot for personal privacy. No one is innocently going to start scrolling through your smartwatch while it’s on your wrist.

With the Blocks modular smartwatch, you’ll be able to leave components with sensitive information behind, meaning no one’s getting near that personal cache.

3. Personal storage

Another component that wearables offer is personal storage. Even if you’re using your phone or tablet to have sensitive conversations, or take down private information, you can keep it secure by syncing it with your smartwatch. In other words, you’ll be using your smartwatch for keeping the info, even when you need your smartphone’s capabilities.

Blocks smartwatch will also offer a “flash disk” component, on which info can be stored, so that you never have to let it out of your sight.

There’s only so much you can do to protect your personal info in an age in which everything online can technically be compromised. But wearing your technology will make it much easier to keep what’s yours to yourself.

A fully customisable Blocks smartwatch will bring you ever closer to the ultimate personal technology.

Click To Win a Blocks Smartwatch

The first Tour de France took place in 1902. It’s kinda freaky to me that nearly everyone alive at the time is now dead.

But the competition continues in the same way.

But did you know that the longest cycle race in the world is a completely different undertaking nowadays?

You can imagine that riders have better bicycles and cycling gear, but technology has changed a lot more than the equipment.

The evolution of fitness

Do you remember when it was common sense to stretch before exercise? Of course you do. For many people it still is.

But increasing evidence indicates that it’s far more important to stretch after exercise, and that stretching beforehand may even increase your risk of injury.

Of course, this is how health science works. Your granny tells you that cracking your knuckles will cause arthrititis. A dedicated researcher then cracks only one hand’s knuckles for 50 years, and both hands are in just as good condition.

We know from countless examples that, the more data we can access, the more we know about health.

Better in the old days?

Which is why it’s probably a good thing that today’s athletes can’t compete against yesterday’s legends. The modern footballer, swimmer, and cyclist, has far better information about how to get the most out of his or her body.

As the years have passed, training has become far more specialised, and more so every day.

And we’ve entered an age of almost limitless data

With the evolution of the stopwatch, we got more accurate at timing races. Your regular digital wristwatch is probably better suited to the purpose than the official equipment at the 1902 Tour de France.

But we know that it goes far beyond the accuracy of timing. We can now track the cyclist’s pace at any stage of the race. We can track the exact distance the cyclist has travelled. We can track the cyclist’s heart rate.

The Tour de France is interesting

Whether cycle races are interesting is a matter of personal preference. You may love watching long hours of the Tour de France, while your closest friend may feel nausea at the sight of a crowd of helmeted men in tights.

For many, cycling is boring.

With increasing amounts of data, 2015’s race has gotten far more interesting. In the past we could speculate on what the cyclist was feeling physically, or his strengths and weaknesses. Now, for the first time, we’ve got real-time data telling us these stats. It’s fascinating to watch from so many more perspectives than that of a cycling fundi.

Smartwatches bring a new dimension

While the Tour has long been able to track a vast array of data, up until recently that hadn’t translated into our personal lives. It wasn’t even part of a pro’s daily routine.

Yet now, as you’re cycling, all sorts of info can be transmitted right into your ear. And you no longer even have to have wires taped to your hairless torso.

A few examples of what data is available:

• pro advice
• motion
• speed
• heartrate
• distance
• routes

Smart technology has made this possible, and wearables have taken it that step further.

The day to day life of a pro

In order to push yourself to the limits that a pro now can, you have to have the data. This is not only to find the most effective means of building muscle and fitness. It’s not just about learning techniques to go faster than ever.

It’s about your health. And your safety.

There are dangers in being a top athlete. They lie in the constant possibility of pushing yourself too far. But it’s hard to know when to stop.

No pain, no gain?

This is why it’s confusing.

When you’re at the gym, do you sometimes feel like you’re not pushing yourself enough? I do. It’s because I’m not pushing myself enough.

Pain is a good thing in exercise. That is, until it’s not.

It’s very difficult to know if you want to stop because you don’t like a bit of discomfort, or whether it’s because you’re doing more than your body can actually handle.

That’s been the fine line athletes have had to walk, but new technology, and smartwatches especially, have changed this.

Which is part of the reason that the fastest overall speed in 1985 was 36.2 km/h, while this century it hasn’t been lower than 39 km/h.

What this means for you

If data like this can help professionals, it can certainly improve the health and fitness of amateurs, and especially those who have no interest in sport per se.

When you have a consistent daily routine, it’s far easier to keep track of your health and fitness than when it has to fit into an already hectic day.

I try to go to gym twice a week. It’s an attainable goal, made difficult not by unwillingness, but by unplanned meetings, traffic jams, and unexpected workloads.

Now nothing gets in the way of keeping track

Okay, so I didn’t make it to gym at all last week. But I made an effort to take a break every so often for short walks. That was logged.

I kept close track of my heart rate, as well as my sleeping patterns. The former, fortunately, gave me no issues. But I found out that on Tuesday and Wednesday nights my sleep had been very shallow and interrupted. It made sense why I was tired and grumpy, and led me to investigate what happened on those nights.

I realised that on both those nights I’d left my curtains open, to cool down the room. The extra light, however, compromised my sleep.

The big things and the little things

Knowing your heart rate is important. And if you’re an athlete, so is knowing speed, pace, power, and so on.

But so is knowing the little things. Having a record of my sleeping data might seem gratuitous, but it helped me ensure that my days ahead will be more productive, fulfilling, and most of all, healthy.

Counting your steps means little if you’re working out 3 hours a day. But when I’ve missed my workouts, and that’s all the exercise I’m getting, it becomes essential.

Blocks helps you decide for yourself

What is and isn’t important depends on you. You have different needs if you’re a pro cyclist. I don’t need the vast amounts of data that you do.

But I need my own specialised set of data.

Modularity therefore is becoming increasingly important. With the wealth of information we now have, it’s easy to get lost inside. It’s exciting to have all the features, and we can get caught up in using them, even when we don’t need them.

When we prioritise what is is that we need, we’re giving ourselves a higher chance of success.

So if you’re cycling in the Tour de France, your smartwatch will be an essential part of your training. And if you’re not, similar data is just as essential a part of your life.

Keep track of how Blocks is changing the face of health and fitness.