TL;DR
A Hacker News thread asked whether anyone is building software for wearable devices. Commenters pointed to an established company, Fitabase, repurposing consumer wearables for health research and noted that SDKs for Meta glasses and Even Realities currently offer limited access.
What happened
A user on Hacker News asked if anyone is building software for wearable technology such as rings, bands and smart glasses. Two commenters responded: one, identifying as aarondcoleman, said they founded Fitabase, a company that repurposes consumer wearables for health research; the commenter noted the business has been operating for 14 years, is profitable and growing, and supports high-resolution data capture and export for Fitbit and Garmin (link provided). Another commenter, krschacht, reported watching software development kits for Meta-branded glasses and for a platform called Even Realities but said those SDKs do not yet expose much access for developers. The discussion highlights both an active commercial effort in health-focused wearable data and reported limitations in developer access to some newer wearable hardware platforms.
Why it matters
- Repurposing consumer wearables for research can create practical, revenue-generating business models.
- High-resolution data export from mainstream wearables (Fitbit, Garmin) is being supported by at least one specialist company.
- Emerging smart glasses platforms may not yet provide broad developer access, which can slow app and research development.
- Developer community interest spans multiple wearable categories, from bands and rings to AR/VR glasses.
Key facts
- The Hacker News post asked whether anyone is building software for wearable tech.
- A commenter named aarondcoleman says they built Fitabase around repurposing consumer wearables for health research.
- Fitabase, per the comment, has operated for 14 years and is described as profitable and growing.
- Fitabase reportedly supports high-resolution data capture and export for Fitbit and Garmin devices.
- A second commenter, krschacht, is monitoring SDKs for Meta glasses and Even Realities but says they currently offer limited access.
- The original thread displayed 4 points and had at least two public replies.
What to watch next
- Further announcements from Meta or makers of Even Realities about expanded SDK functionality and developer access.
- Adoption and expansion of specialist services that export high-resolution data from consumer wearables into research workflows.
- not confirmed in the source: whether Fitabase plans to add support for additional wearable brands or device types.
Quick glossary
- Wearables: Electronic devices worn on the body, such as rings, bands, glasses or watches, that often include sensors to collect data.
- SDK (Software Development Kit): A set of tools, libraries and documentation that allows developers to build applications for a specific platform or device.
- High-resolution data capture: Collection of sensor readings at a fine-grained temporal or spatial frequency, useful for detailed analysis.
- AR/Smart glasses: Head-mounted devices that can display information in the user's field of view and may include sensors and cameras for interaction.
Reader FAQ
Are people building software for wearable tech?
Yes. Commenters on the Hacker News thread point to active work, including a company focused on repurposing consumer wearables for research.
Which wearable devices are currently supported by the mentioned company?
The commenter says their company supports high-resolution data capture and export for Fitbit and Garmin devices.
Are Meta glasses and Even Realities ready for developers?
A commenter said they are watching those SDKs but that they do not yet support much access.
Is there evidence of commercial success in this space?
The commenter describes their company as 14 years old, profitable and growing.
Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login Anyone building software for wearable tech? 4 points by ssc23 29 minutes ago | hide…
Sources
- Anyone building software for wearable tech?
- Introducing the Meta Wearables Device Access Toolkit
- Wearable App Development – A Complete Guide
- Wearable Device App Development Services
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