Tag: wearables trends

Wearable technology predictions show large growth ahead

| October 21, 2015

A new report has shown that the market for wearables isn’t anywhere near leveling off in its expansion.

A new report relased by IDTechEx Research has shown that the marketplace for wearable technology is going to continue to grow, and that it won’t be doing so at a slow pace.

This has been particularly true when it comes to applications in industry as well as in the military.

This year, it is estimated that the wearables global market value is $20.2 billion in the IDTechEx Research report that was recently issued by the firm and that was entitled “Wearable Technology 2015-2015: Technologies, Markets, Forecasts.” It pointed out that almost 75 percent of the market’s revenue is expected to be generated from categories that have had the chance to mature a little more than others, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and earphones. However, it also underscored the fact that it will be wearables in military, industrial and commercial markets that will see the greatest growth and that will represent the largest amount of revenue.

The report specifically pointed out that it will be in these industries where wearable technology will be allowed to shine.

Wearable Technology - GrowthAs wearables are incorporated into a larger number of sectors and settings, the report stated that it will lead to a notable growth in the existing systems of this tech. That said, it pointed specifically to healthcare applications as the largest market for these mobile devices. “Many of the companies looking to commercialize new wearable technology are searching for partners in the healthcare and medical industries,” stated the report.

Another market that was pointed out as one that should be seeing growth is that of infotainment, which should include products such as Oculus VR headsets, Google Glass and other types of smartglasses and augmented reality glasses.

The wearable camera market is another space that the IDTechEx said was up and coming. The release of this report comes on the heels of an announcement made in August by the Pentagon, which stated that a high-tech company and researcher consortium would be partnering to come up with wearable technology that would be appropriate for military applications.

Are wearables safe for user health?

| December 31, 2014

These mobile devices are certainly becoming more popular, but many consumers wonder if they come with medical risks.

The last several months has represented an extremely important time for the release of various types of wearables as well as for the very beginning of consumer adoption, but as was the case with the penetration of cell phones and smartphones, consumers are now wondering if these devices will be safe for their health.

Unlike traditional smartphones, wearable technology is worn on the clothing or body all the time.

Tech companies and fashion brands, alike, have been stretching their creativity to the outer extent in the hopes of coming up with a type of wearables that would truly appeal to consumers and that they would want to be able to purchase so that they can wear them all the time. Many predictions have showed that this industry has tremendous potential, as the market will grow to about $50 billion over the next three to five years. That would represent a market increase of about ten times where it was in 2014. The release of the Apple Watch in the first quarter of 2015 expected to drive that growth quite powerfully.

Wearables may present a technology and financial opportunity, but the health consequences have not yet been thoroughly examined.

Surprising Wearables Technology NewsRecently, at the New York Times International Luxury Conference session on wearable technology, there was a great deal of repetition when it came to the main topics surrounding these gadgets, but the only one on a considerable panel of participants to discuss the actual safety of the devices was Diane von Furstenburg, the fashion designer. She was the only one to raise that topic throughout the entire event.

As much as is it is important to discuss its opportunity as a product, whether or not it is useful, if it is affordable for the average consumer, and whether or not it is stylish, knowing if it is safe to actually wear these mobile devices on our bodies at all times is an important consideration. After all, many smartwatches and health trackers are worn at all times, including throughout sleep. Augmented reality headset wearables are worn throughout the day right on the head. This is a great deal more exposure than a smartphone, which is often put down, when it is not in use.

As wearables become increasingly popular throughout this year and become mainstream in the near future, it is more than likely that health and safety risks will become a rising topic of discussion and an important trend to watch.