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Consumer Reports Tests 'Wearable Technology'

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A new survey finds nearly 80 percent of us keep our cell phones with us for all but two hours a day - minus when we're asleep.

Tech companies think they now have something you'll depend on around the clock – wearable technology.

You can wear them on your wrist, on your neck and even on your face.

They can help you check your e-mail, check your pulse and check directions.

They're wearable technology and they're gaining in popularity.

But are they the next big thing or just a passing trend?

"Wearable tech is still very new, but we really think it's going to take off," Consumer Reports' Carol Mangis said.

Smart watches are one of the fastest growing categories.

Users can get e-mail, text, and phone call notifications all on their wrist, without having to pull out their cell phone.

"It allows me to, at a glance, tell if something is important enough to stop and take care of now or forget until later, or not pay attention to at all," Matt Safford said.

Consumer Reports is developing tests for wearable devices, including smart watches and activity trackers that count steps and track and log calories.

So far, the highest-rated tracker is the $100 Fitbit One.

It's very accurate and allows users see their progress in real time, without connecting to a computer.

Wearable tech continues to evolve.

"The first devices we saw were kind of clunky, but that's changing. For example, this Misfit Shine activity tracker. You can wear it around your neck, your wrist, or even your ankle," Mangis said.

Popular fashion designers are starting to get in the mix, including Tory Burch, who now makes accessories to hold a Fitbit.

Diane von Furstenberg has designed frames for Google Glass.

Consumer Reports says we should expect to see a lot more wearable tech as we head toward the holidays.

Already in the works: high-tech socks that track your steps, speed and running technique and a ring that can make a phone call or change television channels with the wave of a hand.

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