From technology (like a cell phone network that blows 4G out of the water and wearable technology as part of your work uniform) to food (seaweed is the new kale, y’all) to fitness (spoiler: more wearable technology), we’re giving you a sneak peek into the hot new trends of 2016.
Technology
We’ve seen the future, and it is fast. The next generation of cell phone service is called 5G, and the prediction is that once 5G networks become the industry standard, they’ll be 100 times faster than today’s 4G networks. The only bummer – while research, testing and trials of 5G technology will kick off in 2016, we’ll likely have to wait until 2017 for commercial services to begin.
We already know that wearable technology is going to be hot, but what about outside of the fitness world? Technology like smart glasses could be part of your work uniform in certain industries, and professionals working in sterile environments could be next on the wearable tech train. The prediction is that devices allowing hands-free communication could be a boon to paramedics and surgeons. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
For the trendsetter:
- Trust us, you’ll hear plenty about 5G networks when carriers like Verizon and AT&T are ready to roll them out.
Food
We’ve written about the dying kale trend before, and we’re calling it now. Okay, the 2016 Trend Forecast of the Specialty Food Association is the one calling it, and we’re agreeing – seaweed is going to be big in 2016. Blame it on all those healthy fats, antioxidants, iodine and fiber, and don’t forget the sustainability factor and that oh-so-exotic umami aspect.
And step aside, burritos and chimichangas – African food is about to enjoy its moment in the ethnic cuisine spotlight. Chefs at prominent eateries in New York and Los Angeles are already on the forefront of this trend, so make those reservations fast.
For the trendsetter:
- Even your salt cellar can be on (the seaweed) trend with this simple recipe. Place two toasted sheets of nori in a spice mill; pulse to a powder. Mix with one tablespoon kosher salt in a small prep bowl. Voila! Sprinkle Away.
Fitness
Nearly 3,000 fitness professionals can’t be wrong – wearable technology is going to be hot in 2016. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) announced its annual fitness trend forecast, and – surprise, surprise – it’s that those handy little devices that let people track their daily mileage, calories burned and resting and active heart rate will be everywhere. In fact, wearable technology (including fitness trackers, smart watches, GPS tracking devices and heart rate monitors) has toppled body weight training and HIIT workouts, top trends from years past. Experts are speculating that it could be a sign that people’s interest in the inexpensive, DIY version of fitness might be fading.
For the trendsetter:
- Preorder the world’s first completely wireless Hearable – play your tunes, track performance and vitals when you run, cycle or swim, and connect straight to your phone. The Bragi Dash is an earbud, music player and waterproof fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor – and it’s straight from the future.
- Be ready- the Apple Watch 2 is coming soon. There are only speculations for now, but it’s believed that the new band will be equipped with various health sensors designed to monitor blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Rumors about the addition of GPS and waterproofing are still up in the air, but we hope to have more information as we approach the April 2016 release date.
