Google's wearable eyeglasses, Google Glass, garnered attention. Wearable devices, a buzzword at SXSW in 2013, garnered attention at both this year's sessions and trade shows.

In one of the wearable device sessions, Takahito Iguchi, CEO of Telepathy, Christina Mercand, CEO of Ringly, and cyber illusionist Marco Tempest took the stage to discuss the current and future of this increasingly popular item, which is also gaining attention in the fashion industry.

Various devices, including wristwatches, rings, and eyeglasses, are being developed, and companies are exploring the meaning of each shape and the value they bring to communication. Future challenges include creating designs that are appealing to wear as fashion and technological advances. Development of small batteries that can run for long periods of time even in small devices like rings, as well as collaboration with fashion designers and other industries to create high-quality designs, will likely be necessary. Telepathy's Iguchi roused the audience with his words, "Digital devices need to become more intuitive, an extension of human communication. It's not enough if you have to say 'OK, Glass,' like with Google Glass to operate them." Ringly's Mercando commented, "I question product development based on a 'device first, wearable second' philosophy, which prioritizes the value of the device over the ability to wear it. Ringly is all about being fashionable and beautiful as a wearable item. We want to pursue designs that young people will love." Many ring-shaped wearable devices were exhibited at the trade show, but one company that attracted the most attention was Ring, a leading Japanese startup. Ring, a ring-shaped device that achieved great success on the American crowdfunding site KICKSTARTER, allows users to extend smartphone functions and control lights and home appliances with finger gestures while wearing the Ring. Many people stopped by at the trade show to watch the demonstrations.

Wearable devices have undergone a shift from "holding" to "wearing," and are creating new forms of communication. There are many obstacles to overcome in terms of both functionality and design before they can be put to practical use, but the day will surely come when wearable devices become the "it girl" of the fashion business.

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