As the world awaits Apple's much-rumoured iWatch analysts forecast that the market for wearable computing devices will near half a billion units sales a year within the next five years. See: Apple testing smart watch designs, iWatch.
ABI Research forecasts the wearable computing device market will become the norm for many and grow to 485 million annual device shipments by 2018.
Currently, sports and activity trackers account for the largest chunk (61 percent) of wearable technologies shipping today.
Smart activity trackers, from companies such as Fitbit and Nike, are widely available, and the devices' "trendy and stylish" appearance makes them very popular with a broad range of customers. See: Fitbit Flex UK price
Smartphone-compatible watches, such as the Pebble, are beginning to emerge, and rumours are legion regarding Apple releasing a smart watch later this year. The so-called iWatch would sync with the owner's iPhone.
We will also see the arrival of the much anticipated, smart glasses later this year. Google is already publically testing its smart glasses called Google Glass.
"The furor about wearable technologies, particularly smart watches and smart glasses is unsurprising," says Josh Flood, senior analyst at ABI Research.
Both technologies are very stimulating and some of the applications for the device are rather inspiring.
"Apple's curved glass-based watch could prove to be a revelation in the wearable technologies market.
The major question is whether the digital time piece will act as a complimentary device to the company's iPhone smartphones or as a standalone product with other functionalities like health or activity tracking capabilities."
Additionally, smart watches offer extra usages for an item most people already own and commonly purchase. It may become universally expected for watches to include this functionality as feature in the future.
Furthermore, the capabilities of smart watches could lead to the device being used as a wearable remote for home automation systems. A quick shake of your wrist to turn off/on room lights would be a very convenient tool.
See also:
Google gets Glass ideas and some snark
Which way Apple ticks on the iWatch will show how gutsy the firm remains
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Comments received
stefn said on Sat, 23 Feb 2013
Don't miss the wrist for the watch. Sensors on the wrist can deliver significant medical and exercise information. If an Apple iWrist can provide biometrical info. And it’s not hard to see ahead, in the next five to ten years, this info link gaining critical health and even insurance services. Add in the currently available emergency alerts on it for disabled and old folks. Sure, include a localized Siri and the iPod Nano feature set. Apple doesn’t do watches. It does platforms. And Apple loves the challenge of small and simple gear. And it loves disruption. Nobody does them better. At $200 it will sell a billiard.
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