I Wear Tech for a Living – Ask Me Anything
▼ Summary
– The author is hosting an exclusive AMA for Verge subscribers and covers a wide range of tech topics.
– Their reporting includes testing dystopian or “cursed” tech like at-home urine labs and belligerent AI companions.
– They engage in unconventional assignments, such as interacting with an AI girlfriend for 24 hours or generating strange AI videos.
– They also review mainstream wearable devices like smart glasses, rings, watches, and experiment with the Apple Vision Pro.
– Additionally, they write the Optimizer newsletter, which critically examines wellness tech and cuts through industry hype.
For anyone curious about the strange and often surreal world of wearable technology and experimental gadgets, my professional life is dedicated to exploring it. My role involves testing everything from the latest smartwatches and smart rings to far more unusual inventions that push the boundaries of what we consider tech. This means my workdays are rarely predictable, blending rigorous product reviews with deep dives into the wellness industry’s most ambitious claims.
A significant part of my job is navigating what many call the “wellness Wild West.” I spend considerable time investigating new products and services that promise enhanced health and happiness, cutting through the marketing hype to see if they deliver tangible benefits. This investigative approach extends to my newsletter, where I analyze whether these technological innovations genuinely improve daily life or simply add more complexity.
Beyond standard gear, I frequently encounter what can only be described as dystopian or cursed technology. This includes everything from at-home diagnostic kits that analyze bodily fluids to AI companions programmed with surprisingly belligerent personalities. One assignment required me to interact with an AI girlfriend for a full day, documenting the often-awkward and revealing conversations. Another project involved pushing experimental video generation apps to their limits, resulting in some truly bizarre and unexpected content.
The experience extends into spatial computing as well. I’ve spent time creating digital avatars and personas within devices like the Vision Pro, exploring how we might represent ourselves in immersive virtual environments. It’s a fascinating look at the future of identity and interaction.
Of course, the job also has its lighter moments. There’s room for the occasional humorous take, like sharing candid thoughts on the aesthetic of a particular high-end smartwatch. These moments of commentary provide a necessary balance to the more intense testing and analysis.
Ultimately, this field is about separating genuine advancement from fleeting novelty. It requires a skeptical eye and a willingness to engage with technology on its own terms, whether it’s a straightforward fitness tracker or an AI system with a questionable attitude. The goal is to provide clear, actionable insights into what’s worth your time, money, and attention in a market saturated with promises.
(Source: The Verge)
