Author: JT

Wearable technology may be a success in the United Kingdom

| October 15, 2014

Study shows that wearable devices are gaining traction among UK consumers

The United Kingdom may soon become a leading wearable technology market. According to a recent study from YouGov, the number of people with wearable devices is growing. These devices range from smartwatches, fitness bands, and head-mounted systems that offer people a chance to experience the world in a different way. While wearable devices are still somewhat rare in the commercial market, many new devices are expected to be launched within the coming year.

6% of UK population currently owns a wearable device of some kind

According to the study, the approximately 6% of the UK population — nearly 2.8 million people — currently have some sort of wearable device. Most of these devices are smartwatches and physical activity trackers. The study predicts that the number of people with these devices will double in 2015, when new devices are released into the UK market. One device, in particular, may account for much of this growth: The Apple Watch.

Apple Watch may find success in the UK market

Wearable Technology - UKApple unveiled plans for its new wearable device last month. Apple Watch promises to be the next evolution in wearable technology, providing users with all the features of a smartphone in a wearable gadget. The device is slated to be launched next year and its quick adoption is expected among iOS fans. The exact features that the Apple Watch will launch with are not yet known, but there is already a significant degree of hype surrounding the gadget.

AR devices likely to attract many consumers

Augmented reality devices are also likely to become somewhat famous in the UK. These devices, many of which will be worn on the head, promise to change the way people see the world. Google Glass is, perhaps, the most well known and anticipated of these devices. The head-mounted system will leverage augmented reality technology for a variety of purposes, including social media and navigation. A few technology companies have plans to launch AR devices in the coming years, but Google Glass is expected to launch in 2015, ahead of its competition.

Line to expand into mobile payments

| October 13, 2014

Japanese app developer is beginning to expand its services into mobile commerce

Developers of mobile messaging applications are beginning to push into the mobile commerce space. These apps have won popularity for allowing people to message one another for free, but soon people may be using the apps to pay for goods and services and money transfers. Line is the latest app developer to show interest in the mobile payments space and the company is beginning to develop its own payment platform.

Company has major plans for the future after delaying its initial public offering

Line had plans to launch an initial public offer this year, but these plans have been delayed due to the company’s interests in expanding its services. The Japanese company has plans to develop a ride-share application that is similar to Uber, allowing people to purchase rides from private drivers that are associated with the company. Line is also developing an in-door map service and a food delivery service. The company is also branching into the online music streaming sector, offering mobile consumers a way to listen to music through an app.

Line Pay will allow users to pay for goods and services and transfer money to friends and family

Company extending into mobile paymentsThe company is showing particular interest in mobile payments, however, due to the massive revenue potential that the field of digital commerce represents. The Line Pay app, as it is called, will allow users to make payments at convenience stores by linking the app to their bank accounts or credit cards. The app can also be used for money transfers to friends and family. It will also allow users to split restaurant bills easily.

Line will face strong competition in the mobile commerce space

Line will face major competition in the mobile commerce space. The market is currently crowded with a vast number of payment startups that are looking to take advantage of the growing interest consumers have in mobile shopping and payments. Companies like Tencent and Alibaba currently hold a commanding presence in the Asian mobile commerce space, and Line will have to battle these two companies for the favor of consumers.