Deepinder Goyal's upcoming wearable device, Temple, is generating significant interest ahead of its planned India launch later this year. Developed by Goyal's health-tech venture, the device takes a very different approach from conventional smartwatches, fitness bands and smart rings. Instead of being worn on the wrist or finger, Temple is positioned on the side of the forehead, with the company claiming that it can monitor signals associated with the brain and body.

1. Forehead-mounted design: Temple's most noticeable difference is its unusual form factor. The tiny device sits on the side of the user's forehead rather than being worn around the wrist or finger. The design is intended to allow the wearable to collect signals that conventional fitness trackers may not be able to access easily. Its distinctive placement has also attracted attention because it looks considerably different from existing consumer wearables.

2. Focus on brain and body signals: According to Goyal, Temple is designed to track signals connected with both the brain and the body. The idea is to use these measurements to provide users with deeper information about health and fitness rather than relying only on conventional activity metrics. However, the company has not yet revealed the complete list of sensors, measurements or features that will be available in the final consumer version.

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3. Tested by athletes: Temple is currently undergoing limited testing, with professional athletes among those seen using the device. Badminton star PV Sindhu has been spotted wearing Temple, giving the product additional visibility before its wider launch. Testing with athletes could help the company assess how the wearable performs during demanding physical activity and whether the data it captures can provide useful insights into performance and recovery.

4. Much smaller than the earlier version: Goyal has also revealed that a newer version of Temple is significantly smaller than the device previously shown. He said the latest version is less than half the size of the earlier model. The reduction in size could make the wearable less noticeable and potentially more comfortable for extended use, which may be important for a device designed to remain attached to the side of the head.

5. India launch and pre-orders: Temple has been confirmed for a launch in India later this year, with pre-orders expected to begin soon. However, the company has not yet disclosed key details such as the final price, exact launch date, complete specifications and availability. The product is entering a crowded health and fitness market that already includes smartwatches, fitness bands, rings and health-monitoring earbuds. Its success will therefore depend on whether Temple can turn its unusual design and brain-and-body tracking capabilities into meaningful advantages for everyday users.

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