Pictured is a mock-up of an “iWatch” by graphic designer and marketing specialist Nickolay Lamm from MyVoucherCodes .
Who knows if the rumored Apple wristwatch — the so-called “iWatch” — will ever see the light of day? However, chances are that it will as wearable computing devices are projected to explode in popularity over the next year and could soon become the norm for most people within five years.
ABI Research (www.abirsearch.com) forecasts the wearable computing device market will grow to 485 million annual device shipments by 2018. Currently, sports and activity trackers account for the largest chunk of wearable technologies shipped today. Smart activity trackers are widely available, and the device’s trendy and stylish appearance makes them very popular with a broad range of customers.
It’s estimated 61% of the wearable technologies market is attributed to sport/activity trackers in 2013. Smartphone compatible watches are beginning to emerge, and rumors have materialized regarding Apple releasing a smart watch some time this year. What’s more, we will see the arrival of the much anticipated, smart glasses later this year, says ABI Research.
“The furor about wearable technologies, particularly smart watches and smart glasses is unsurprising,” says Josh Flood, senior analyst. “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.
