Mobile Smart Wearable Device Shipments to Approach
130 Million by 2018
This is a post from Juniper Research which I’ve
added here as wearable devices is a fast moving area and is of interest to me!
Have you placed your order for Google Glass yet? Let me know @annmariehanlon
New
findings from Juniper Research, has revealed that smart wearable device
shipments including smart watches and glasses will approach 130 million by
2018, 10 times higher than estimated this year.
The
report notes that this change in adoption levels can be attributable to
heightened consumer awareness of wearable technology and new product launches.
It also observes that with the emergence of major players and other key
stakeholders, there is a much more focussed approach towards ‘wearable
computing’.
Market
Attractiveness
However
the report notes that, as of now, wearable devices represent a ‘nice to have’
and not a ‘must have’ for consumers. “Even though wearables are relatively
new in terms of market maturity, it is clear that the market, for example the
smart watch in particular, will be – as per smartphones – a somewhat crowded
affair”, added report author Nitin Bhas.
Social
& Legal Barriers
The report notes that there are
a number of social and legal barriers to the deployment of wearable devices.
However, not all of these hurdles will apply to every device, or indeed, every
type of device. Issues such as privacy commonly arise if the wearable device
(eg smart glasses) has a camera and gives the appearance of filming at all
times. In the case of Healthcare wearables, the most relevant issue is the
storage of confidential and personal vital health information by these devices.
As more
wearable products are rolled out, Juniper expects that governments will in turn
seek to develop regulatory frameworks to legislate their use, both from a
privacy and data protection perspective.
Other Key
Findings Include:
- Juniper Research has revised
upwards the adoption of certain wearable devices to reflect the latest
announcements from vendors and the heightened consumer awareness of
wearable technology.
- Mobile fitness wearables
will begin to diversify into new mHealth areas.
Labels: tech, technology, wearable devices