When the conversation turns to wearable devices, most people think of smartwatches and fitness bands – and for good reason. Gadgets like Apple Watch and Fitbit own a large share of the category.

New advances in the technology, though, are rapidly changing the way consumers view and use wearables, a dynamic that is setting the stage for explosive market growth.

In fact, research firm IDC predicts the wearables market will double in less than four years as consumers begin tracking everything from their heart rate and daily steps to their fertility and sun exposure.

While wearables already adorn the wrists of health-conscious consumers everywhere, their ability to enable secure “hands-free” payments will only fuel their popularity.

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