So, here we are, already making swift inroads into 2015, year of the future. It sounds a bit sci-fi, does “twenty fifteen” and, if reports that emerged from the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) are to believed, then the future is helpful, smart and… well, a bit odd. Yes, the place that brings the very latest advancements in nanotechnology to pioneer medical improvements also showcases rocketskates and self-adjusting belts.
Every year, the CES takes place in the sprawling, vast, strange place that is Nevada. Thousands of exhibitors attend to showcase their tech, their inventions, their amazing new products and hundreds of thousands of people go along to feast their eyes (and wallets) on what new gadgets and functions may soon emerge on to the ‘mass market’. The big, globally-known brands rub shoulders with the little-known inventors and innovators, all hoping that their tech will break out and appeal to the mass market.
Personally, I could do with some rocketskates and some kind of ironing robot but, since they seem a way off, I’m putting my money (£4.87 in loose change) on wearable technology. We saw a huge uptake in people buying wearable goods, in the form of fitness bands / trackers, over the Christmas and new year period and I am jumping on the bandwagon myself this year. The possibilities and scope for these devices is huge and I foresee a time where they’ll do much more than measure sleep, calories, steps and distance. In the future, near or far, the capabilities of the data that can be captured and used to individually tailor exercise, diet and lifestyles is huge. For now though, I’ll stick to the number of steps I need to take to work off that last biscuit and work up to a ParkRun in the near future. His Nibs (my significant other) is doing the London Marathon this year and has turned into a running evangelist and, it pains me to say this, I’m going to give it a go. Not for me, though, the 26 miles of London. I prefer my runs shorter (significantly) and without the lure of the V & A to stop me so I’ve downloaded the Runkeeper app and I’m going to get up to doing a Parkrun. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part; from those – like me – taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; everyone is welcome.
If you’re interested in getting involved look for a location near you on the map below or visit the website where you can register and find a full UK map. You’ll see that many of the runs take place in towns and cities where Hughes stores are, so why not pop along to your local store, get yourself a Sony fitness band for under £35 or check out our range of the latest wearable tech and join in the fun. Because it’s gonna be fun, right?
, check out our range of wearable tech today.
