Smartwatches have been around for a while now, and while they’ve certainly evolved, their design has remained relatively stagnant. The same rectangular or circular face, the same bulky body, the same lackluster battery life. It’s time for a change. Here are five ways Apple, Garmin, Google, and Samsung can make smartwatch design exciting again.

1. Innovative Display Technology

One of the most significant limitations of current smartwatches is their display. They’re either too small or too bulky, and they often struggle with outdoor visibility. To address this, manufacturers could explore new display technologies like micro-LED or OLED. These technologies offer better contrast, higher resolution, and lower power consumption, making them ideal for smartwatches. TechRadar explains how micro-LED displays could revolutionize smartwatches.

2. Modular Designs

Modular designs have been gaining traction in the tech world, and it’s time they made their way to smartwatches. Imagine a smartwatch with interchangeable modules – a fitness module for athletes, a music module for music lovers, or a health module for seniors. This would not only make smartwatches more versatile but also allow users to customize their device according to their needs.

3. Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication is becoming increasingly popular in smartphones, and it’s high time it made its way to smartwatches. Fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, or even vein recognition could replace traditional PINs and passwords, making smartwatches more secure and convenient. Biometric Update discusses the potential of biometrics in the smartwatch market.

4. Improved Battery Life

Battery life is one of the biggest complaints about smartwatches. Most devices barely last a day, and some don’t even make it through a full day. To make smartwatches more appealing, manufacturers need to focus on improving battery life. This could involve using more efficient processors, optimizing software, or even incorporating new battery technologies like graphene or lithium-air batteries. TechCrunch discusses a new battery technology that could potentially make smartwatches last forever.

5. Integration with Wearable Tech

Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular, from fitness trackers to smart glasses. To stay ahead of the game, smartwatch manufacturers need to integrate their devices with other wearable tech. Imagine a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your smart glasses or fitness tracker, providing a comprehensive wearable experience. Wareable lists some of the best smartwatches of 2020, highlighting their integration with other wearable devices.