What are Wearable Devices?
Wearable devices tend to be more sophisticated than hand-held technology on the market nowadays because it can provide sensory and scanning features not typically seen in mobile and laptop devices, such as biofeedback and tracking of physiological function.
The growing popularity of mobile networks has been one of the most important factors in the development of wearable devices. Bluetooth headsets, smart watches, and web-enabled glasses allow people to access data hands-free from Wi-Fi networks.
Wearable Devices Market
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According to the website Statista.com the global wearable market grew by 172 percent in 2015. Fitbit and Apple & Co. shipped a total of 78.1 million devices in the past year, up from 28.8 million in 2014.
Wearable devices represent a significant opportunity for business, both in terms of new markets and data collection. Global spending on wearable devices, which stood at $750 million in 2012, is expected to reach $5.8 billion in 2018, according to Transparency Market Research. According to the Journal Plos Medicine research “One in six (15%) consumers in the United States currently uses wearable technology, including smart watches or fitness bands. While 19 million fitness devices are likely to be sold this year that number is predicted to grow to 110 million in 2018”. |
The Fitness and Health Industry
The potential to track and trace progress towards set fitness goals means individuals are prepared to invest money in technology that will provide real-time data. Nike’s Fuel Band, for example, is a smart pedometer that tracks steps, and provides motivational reminders and social connectivity.
The Future of Wearable Devices
eMarketer reports that Wearable technology is expected to grow to 29.5% penetration in the US this year and to 38.3% by 2019. Wearable technology today is mostly smart watches and fit bands but the wearable technology of the future will include devices such as smarter clothing, eyewear and hearable devices.
Wearable devices have the tendency to be more sophisticated than hand-held technology available on the market today because they can provide sensory and scanning features not typically seen in mobile and laptop devices, such as biofeedback and physiological function tracking.
Younger consumers make the majority of fitness band users - according to Nielsen 62% of fitness band users are 25-44 years old. Fitbit is the leader in wearable devices but Garmin and Jawbone are also key players in this market.
Newer technologies will develop, and soon out-strip current smart watches and fitness tracking devices and apps. Wearable devices, which integrate design and customization, are the hottest things to come to the market for generations.
Applications of Wearable Devices in Fitness and Health Industry
- Activity Monitors
- Emotional Measurement
- Fitness and Heart rate monitors
- Pedometers
- Heads-up Displays
- Smart Clothing
- Smart Watches
- Audio Ear Buds
- Sleep Sensors
Some of wearable devices for fitness and health
The new coloured display is a step up from the Surge's monochrome offering, the software is easy for beginners to get to grips with and it still delivers good all-round activity tracking stats.
Wearable devices can and will change health care by empowering users and educating them to take control of their health.
It is clear from their rapid proliferation and deep penetration into society, that there are significant opportunities to exploit the potential of wearable devices in the Fitness and Health Industry.
Amazingly these wearable devices are gaining popularity every day and practically every household owns at least one. End-users are able to enjoy and experience personal, well-timed and relevant information twenty-four hours a day.