For women, from startups
Diamonds may not be every woman’s best friend, but a diamond-studded smartwatch could be.
Women’s lives as consumers are evolving as gender parity has grown in influence in the product development area. Tech for women has broken away from the limits of mod cons or fertility. In 2019, investments in the femtech industry spiked from $310 million mid-year, to nearly $800 million by the end of the year.
Women today lead in both the workplace and the household. Consequently, their lifestyle needs are widening, and technology is finally catching up. From tech-enabled jewelry to devices for mothers, here are 12 smart lifestyle devices for women from startups that pair function with style.
1. Bellabeat Leaf
An array of wearable tech is available for women to pick and choose from. Amongst these, Bellabeat is one of the best known in the market. The company’s tech-enabled wellness wearable Leaf can be worn as a bracelet, clip, or necklace. This chic wellness tracker keeps a watch on fitness, menstrual cycles, meditation, stress, and more.
2. Kronaby Smartwatch
Kronaby’s watches look nothing like smartwatches, but perform just like them. With attributes such as auto time zoning, location safety tracker, remote camera option, find phone feature, and geotagging, the watch is another handy wearable for women on the go. It’s If This Then That (IFTTT) applet lets you customize the push button as well
3. Circadian Light Therapy Lamps
Circadian provides a range of ‘mini sun on your desk’ light therapy lamps ranging between $44 and $79. The lamps are designed to reset your body’s circadian rhythm, helping you sleep better and feel naturally energized through the day. The best time to use these, the company says, is actually in the morning to set your body clock up for the day.
4. Willow Breast Pump
Pregnancy is a complex time, and so are the months after. New mothers have to deal with multiple mental and physical issues while taking care of a new born child, and tech interventions such as Willow’s breast pump are welcome additions. The pump fits inside your brassiere, works with an app, and promises a no-spill hands-free pumping experience.
5. Lora DiCarlo Osé Robotic Massager
Starting a sextech business is tricky. Osé entered the limelight when the Consumer Electronics Show rescinded an award given to sex tech company Lora DiCarlo, sparking a huge debate on the inclusivity of tech for women. Using microrobotics, air flow, thumping, and “come hither” motions, Osé’s flexible body stimulator and massager are meant for custom fits.
6. Livia by iPulse Medical
Menstrual cramps can mean one of two things – popping pain killers to get through the day or plugging in a heat pad that restricts mobility. iPulse Medical’s portable pain relief device Livia is designed to provide drug-free relief from menstrual cramps, through electrode gel pads that stimulate abdominal nerves to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
7. Frednology Smart Mirrors
Magic mirrors are not the stuff of fairytales any more. Allure by Frednology is a next-gen augmented reality smart beauty mirror that lets you take selfies, watch tutorials, and play music while you apply your make up. The startup also offers the Mirror X, a water and dust resistant mirror that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-enabled to connect to all your home devices.
8. Grace Cooling Bracelet
Going through menopause is disruptive, in its literal sense, and no one enjoys the frequency and sudden discomfort of the hot flashes it brings on. Grace’s cooling bracelet automatically tracks hot flushes and triggers its cooling patches when an onset occurs. The best part? It looks like a stylish accessory and can be worn all day.
As more progressive tech development comes to the forefront, and women take charge in the consumer goods space, ‘femtech’ has grown to become an expansive domain that caters to the needs of today’s woman, whether it is in terms of her everyday life, career, motherhood, or later life.
The very idea of femtech is evolving from the basic concept of reproductive health to the bigger picture of women’s wellness. As more women enter the fray and lead innovation, the future of femtech only looks brighter.
In this article, ‘woman’ or ‘women’ includes all individuals who identify as female.
Header image by Freepik
