However, unlike wearables and hearables which move with us, nearables are static, comprising ordinary objects that become “smart” once a wireless electronic sensor which also works as a transmitter (such as a Bluetooth Smart beacon) are attached to them and start broadcasting digital data to nearby devices.

For instance, pick up the latest bestseller in your local bookstore and your phone will automatically display reviews. Try on a jacket in-store and watch the shelf display update with available style options and which purse matches best. Or even tag a sticker to a bottle of chardonnay in your fridge to be notified when it’s cooled to exactly the right temperature.

Estimote is introducing the term nearable as an intelligent object linked by a smart beacon with a rich SDK to the cloud.

But as these nearables proliferate, what they do will become simpler and simpler: calling a phone number, showing me a bit more info (like the next train). I don't *need* an app for many of these nearables, a basic web page is MORE than enough.

Thoughtful article by @naveen about wearables vs nearables