Smart clothing is a type of wearable technology that is still being explored by various markets. Its fabric is implanted with interactive technology which is primarily used for tracking fitness goals. And even though it’s not mainstream as yet, it undoubtedly has a lot of potential to be the next decade’s most sought-after product. Therefore, thrilled with the possibilities of smart clothing, several manufacturers today have come up with their original products.

If you are wondering how this such kind of wearable technology can be beneficial for you, then read further.

• Ease – For some people, wearing a fitness tracker around the wrists or the arm can be extremely uncomfortable. This is because it can retain a lot of sweat around the area and cause skin irritation. On the other hand, smart clothing comes in various apparel forms which are highly inconspicuous and light. The best part about these is that brands have scaled several heights to make them incredibly comfy. So, you won’t even notice the difference between regular and smart clothing.
• Accurate numbers – Typically, statistics projected on most wearable technology products are correct. However, at times devices can process faulty information which always fuels the debate about how reliable they can be for fitness monitoring purposes. Smart clothing has an added advantage, i.e., the sensors within are much closer to the body so that they can offer precise data about exercise regimes and pulse rates.
• Additional data – Apart from the standard heart rate and motion tracking, currently some smart clothing brands are trying to take a comprehensive approach by monitoring the respiration rate as well. This can be extremely valuable as it gives you an insight into how you should manage your workout schedules as well as time-outs. For instance, if you do yoga exercises daily, smart clothing can be used to observe your breathing patterns, so that you can get better at executing complex postures.
• Healthcare applications – Not just for tracking your workout regimes, such wearable technology is also making its way in the healthcare sector. It can be used for keeping an eye on the infant’s breathing patterns and heart rates. Similarly, a few companies have come up with apparels that could help detect cardiovascular diseases.
• Convenience – Most smart clothing variants have to be washed by hand after detaching the monitoring devices from it. However, you can find products that have washable sensors, but at this point, this feature is only offered by a handful of brands. However, there is a good chance that brands in future will manufacture waterproof apparels to accommodate such consumer preferences.
• Connectivity – Like fitness wristbands, even smart clothing effortlessly connects to your smartphone. Not just for stats, some products can also utilize a social media space for active sharing. Some brands have also incorporated the feature of GPS tracking.

These products also termed as e-textiles, and are available in the form of shoes, bras, running shorts, suits, dresses, socks, trousers, jackets, etc. Besides fitness, smart clothing is increasingly becoming a subject of intrigue for ultra-modern fashion. So, in the coming years, they might be regular apparel to be seen on the store racks.

Hexoskin, Samsung NFC suit, Owlet Smart Sock 2, Nadi X yoga pants, SUPA Powered Sports Bra, Lumo Run, Levi’s x Google Jacquard Jacket, MyZone Sports Bra, Athos, Sensoria running socks 2.0, Neopenda smart baby hat, etc. are some of the popular products that you can consider buying. All of the wearable technology products mentioned vary according to the purpose and budget.

Apart from smart clothing, you can also explore different forms of wearable technology such as smart jewelry, intelligent wristbands and headbands, and smart watches, etc.

Credit card processing appears to be an easy process, wherein a card is swiped on the machine and an immediate deduction reflects on the buyer’s account. However, there are several more parties involved in this transaction apart from the consumer, the seller, and the bank. There are also credit card processing services that enable the transaction to take place. The payment of funds is a wireless transaction that is conducted between a consumer, the merchant (seller) who processes the transaction, and a catalyst (processing services) that brings about the transaction.

The transaction occurs when card details flow through the vendor’s processing company and through the credit card networks which connect to the cardholder’s bank. The payment is then processed depending upon the bank’s approval or denial.

Top credit card processing services
Below are our recommendations for the best credit card processing services that are transparent, have fair pricing, and provide excellent solutions.

PayPal
PayPal does not charge any extra or surprise fees such as installation, compliance, and monthly maintenance. The charges made to you wholly depend on the number of transactions that take place through PayPal.

While PayPal charges less for transactions that process through the platform, various added features are locked and can only be utilized when the specified fees to acquire the feature is paid.

Helcim
Helcim has charted out the exact cost and pricing of their services on their website. Training guidelines are also available for newcomers. They also accept all credit cards that are extensively used. Helcim also provides excellent customer service.

Helcim is not recommended for small-time vendors who have small transactions and low revenue.

Square
Square follows a flat-fee system, which is ideal for small vendors thanks to its affordability. The pricing structure is very transparent and available on their website.

The gateway may be affordable as it follows a standardized pricing system for all its customers. However, it may be expensive for big businesses. There have been complaints of accounts being shut down or frozen over dubious fraudulent activities.

CreditcardProccessing
There are no cancellation fees levied by this credit card processing company.

Unlike the above-mentioned credit card processing companies, CreditcardProccessing is not as clear with respect to its pricing structure. This is because prices vary depending on the equipment used for processing the payment.

Dental insurance is an area in which a lot of questions prevail for the normal Medicare policy does not cover the costs of routine dentistry services such as tooth extractions, root canals, fillings, and cleanings. However, given that specialization dentistry is now the order of the day and given that the cost of even routine dental work is expensive, it might be a sound decision to consider going in for a dental insurance plan. Normally Medigap dental plans step in and fill those areas that are not covered under the traditional Medicare policy subject of course to pre-stated conditions of the claim.

Let us weight the different types of plans available and their financial implications.

PPO Plan – the PPO Plan, which is known as the Preferred Provider Organization Plan gives you the option of visiting any dentist of your choice. However, the maximum coverage and least out of pocket expenses are offered to patients visiting dentists who are part of the PPO network. Regarding coverage, a part of your dental procedure would be covered as per the policy, but you would nevertheless have to make a copayment. In such a plan, deductibles and a maximum limit are part of the policy.

An HMO Plan is a prepaid dental insurance plan that allows you to consult only with specific dentists who are on the network. If you require a dental procedure to be done by a doctor who is not in the network or at a facility that is not covered under the plan, then you would have to bear the expenses out of your pocket. While there are no deductibles or maximum limit, this is a coinsurance plan.

Discount plans do not limit you to any network of doctors or hospitals however you would have to meet the plan deductible to be eligible for coverage.

The third kind of dental insurance is known as the indemnity plan, which gives you partial coverage for specified procedures. Under this plan, you have the option of visiting any dentist or dental specialist of your choice, but you would have to cover the cost of their consultancy out of your pocket, as the insurance company does not reimburse the dentists under this plan.