This year, the big noise is likely be about wearables that are also “hearables”. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / AFP
This year, the big noise is likely be about wearables that are also “hearables”. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / AFP
This year, the big noise is likely be about wearables that are also “hearables”. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / AFP
This year, the big noise is likely be about wearables that are also “hearables”. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images / AFP

Now hear this


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When it comes to wearable technology, our ears may well be the final frontier

This time last year, Google Glass was the tech product everybody wanted to know about. But when it hit the shelves midyear – in limited quantities and with a hefty $1,500 (Dh5,510) price tag – the souped-up spectacles failed to fire the public imagination

While it is the first in a wave of wearable tech products, in its initial incarnation at least, Glass lacks the X factor that makes people want to been seen wearing it. Time will tell whether the same fate awaits the Apple Watch, which will go on sale soon.

This year, the big noise is likely be about wearables that are also "hearables" – tech items that attach to, or sit within, the ear. As business channel CNBC reported this week, a computer inside an ear can do more than play music. It can monitor blood oxygen levels, heart rate and other important health and fitness indicators.

That’s all very well. But if they’re going to sell, they’ll have to look smart enough to suit the fussiest fashionista.

About Okadoc

Date started: Okadoc, 2018

Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Healthcare

Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth

Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February

Investors: Undisclosed

The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder

Transmission: CVT auto

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 244Nm

Price: Dh122,900 

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Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
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UAE v Qatar

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The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5