Near the end of 2013 a new technology fad began to immerge. Wearable technology has become increasingly popular. From smart glasses to GPS jackets, 2014 will be the year of wearable technology according to CBC News and a plethora of other technology sources.

The trend seemed to begin with Google’s announcement of the Google Glass. These glasses are promised to have a wide range of abilities. According to Google, users are able to translate things like signs and menus as they gaze at them or translate what they want to say. They can take instant pictures and videos, send messages, get answers to questions and more.

This seemingly spectacular device has spurred a trend of all sorts of technology, such as watches that send messages, track movement and sleep, give weather reports and  receive notifications from a cell phone. Many companies, like Apple and Samsung, have been creating their own versions of these versatile wrist attire.

However, this seeming trend goes much further than watches and glasses. Other products that are more similar to clothing in nature have been popping  up  and being announced.

The more functional of these products are those like smart socks and smart sports bras. These intelligent pieces of apparel track the user’s activity and performance.

Other utilitarian pieces are those that are programed for GPS purposes. These products, like jackets and helmets, use flashing lights to signals the user when and where to turn. Also, there is one fashion designer, Asher Levine, who has created styles for Lady GaGa and will.i.am, that incorporates tracking chips into his couture looks. These chips connect to an app on the user’s phone in order to find the lost item.

While there are those more practical items of “clothing”, there are those that use technology simply for the sake of using it.

One such item is a holographic leather dress designed by Amy Winters. The dress reacts to sound around it and lights up and creates “visual music.” While the dress is interesting, it has no functional purpose.

Another such product is a line of dresses that move when someone is looking at them. Designed by Canadian fashion designer, Ying Gao, the dresses use futuristic eye tracking technology that, when looked at, will move tiny motors to create new patterns. The dresses’ base fabric is made with, essentially, glow in the dark thread.

Other designers have gone on the less flashy, and often cheaper, side. They chose to use simple light, usually LED, to add interest.

Through the recent years, technology has been an growing presence in our society. These creations go to show that technology will continue to play an ever increasing role in our lives.