5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Read

J. · October 23, 2022

Superpower?: The Wearable-Tech Revolution by Elaine Kachala is an illustrated nonfiction book for middle grade readers that explores the history, development, applications and ethics of wearable technology. Wearable technology is all the rage these days and this wonderful book will help kids to gain the information they need to get inspired and to change the future. Your young electronics enthusiasts will also get to meet the inventors, designers, engineers, scientists and young people navigating the future of technology and fashion.Wearables are electronic technology or devices that can be worn on, or attached to, our bodies. We can also implant them inside our bodies. For centuries people have imagined ways to augment their abilities, like with eyeglasses in the 13th century. But the use of modern wearable computing devices to boost our abilities began in the 1960s. Now they’re becoming mainstream! People can check messages, listen to music, or even monitor health conditions. In a time when consumer electronics are becoming smaller and seamlessly integrated into our lives, it is important to understand how technology can improve and augment your lifestyle and the risks. Who are the people involved in developing and implementing wearable technology? Who sets the wearable technology standards? What are the benefits of wearable technology in healthcare? What are the dangers of wearable technology? How can we design wearables responsibly? The book highlights how wearable computing is already changing our lives. Kids will learn about the hardware and software that make wearable technology possible, and the future of wearable technology.The book covers the rapidly expanding development of wearable systems, thus enabling clinical and medical applications, such as disease management and rehabilitation. Final chapters discuss the challenges inherent to these rapidly evolving technologies. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

5.0 out of 5 stars A thought-provoking book

C.D. · October 22, 2022

Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution presents sophisticated, exciting technology while asking serious ethical questions about this evolving science. Elaine Kachala engages the reader with highly relatable accounts of current-day wearables and future devices already under development. For example, Kachala encourages readers to consider today’s amazing Brain-Computer Interfaces. BCIs enable people born with complex disabilities to control devices—wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, even gaming keyboards—using just their thoughts. But she challenges the reader to consider the ethics of companies potentially selling data derived from decoding our thoughts. BCIs are already being used ‘as a tool to understand consumers’ emotional states when viewing different products.’ Throughout the book, Kachala ignites interest and excitement as she describes current and evolving uses of wearables that are already helping people improve their lives. At every step, she also challenges readers to think critically about the potential dark side of the technology. Kachala takes care to bring well-vetted research to every page. She highlights information, perspectives, and photos drawn from interviews with the scientists who pioneered and continue to develop wearable technology. She also introduces scientists working on guidelines for its safe development and ethical use. The book’s final chapter focuses on that very question, asking: How do we design responsible technology? It ends by challenging readers to brainstorm their own ideas for wearable tech, with steps that ensure they consider not just amazing designs and benefits, but also potential harms and how to avoid them. This book will be of high interest to kids whose daily lives already rely on wearables for communication, activity tracking, reminders, and more. It will be an eye-opener for both kids and parents who may not be aware of the direction we’re all headed in as wearables evolve. I highly recommend the book as an engaging read and as an important discussion starter at home and in the classroom.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exploring the opportunities and dangers of the wearable tech revolution

M. · November 15, 2022

As this book makes clear, the world is in the midst of huge changes as a result of technological changes. Wearable technology brings with it incredible opportunity and huge dangers. Whether we like it or not, wearable tech is going to be a huge part of the future, and so this is a very important topic to understand.Superpower? The Wearable Tech Revolution does a great job looking at both sides. Smart glasses are one example. They have great potential with tech such as AR. On the other hand, if everyone starts wearing smart glasses, what does that do to the privacy of the people around them? Who would have access to all that data and what would they do with it? How might that change how people behave and interact? Whether we like it or not, the technology is coming. It's important that we think about the implications, which is why we need books like this.Superpower? presents this discussion in a fun, accessible format, with lots of great pictures and illustrations. Overall this is a great book for envisioning what abilities wearable tech might give us while also asking in what ways, good and bad, that tech might change the world and us.

Superpower? Super readable!!

a.f. · October 20, 2022

Diligently researched, beautifully written, eminently readable! A fascinating look at the world of wearable technology and what it offers us - both pro and con. The author discusses ethical issues one might not even think of when imagining how wearables can change our lives for the better. Colorful, eye-catching layout, illustrations and photos. This is a book to be enjoyed by kids and parents, alike! Treat yourself.