Social media on your wrist: Hicon is a bracelet that makes social networking wearable

By Jason Hahn Published December 29, 2017

Hicon social bracelet — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Your social media interactions aren’t meant to be confined to your pocket or desktop – they’re meant to be worn on your wrist for all the world to see and, potentially, interact with. That’s the thrust of the Hicon, a unique bracelet with small, colorful buttons linked to your social media accounts. In other words, it’s wearable social media.

The Hicon dubs itself “The Social Bangle,” and that pretty much sums it up: It’s a waterproof silicone bracelet that’s spotted with six interchangeable buttons for your social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. When you receive a smartphone alert for one of your social networks, the corresponding button on the Hicon lights up and vibrates. Wearers can dismiss the notification with a shake of their wrist.

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The social bracelet is also meant to encourage wearers to enhance their real-world social interactions. For instance, when a wearer with similar interests (as indicated in the mobile app) is nearby, the Hicon will light up and act as a not-so-discreet wingman. Wearers can also add contacts to their smartphone or exchange social media profiles by giving another wearer a high-five, handshake or fist bump.

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The Hicon uses Bluetooth 4.0 LE to stay connected with your smartphone, and the app is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The bracelet’s battery lasts about 14 days on a full charge and takes 40 minutes to charge via a USB connection to a laptop, according to the developers.

Currently, the Hicon is available in six colors: dark, light, Placid Blu, Violet Tulip, Freesia and Celosia Orange. Supporters of its Indiegogo campaign have access to a limited-edition Hemlock version.

The crowdfunding campaign has raised about $2,100 from 43 backers since its launch on June 20. The campaign will close on Aug. 20. The Hicon is scheduled to be mass produced and shipped in October or November of this year.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Jason Hahn is a part-time freelance writer based in New Jersey. He earned his master's degree in journalism at Northwestern…

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