Smartbands: How They Fit into the Future of Wearable Tech
In January, a pretty knowledgeable TechWell writer wrote about the rise of wearable tech and pointed out that many in the industry predict a surge of wearable app development similar to the storm of mobile development that began after Apple’s popular 2007 release of the game-changing iPhone. What that article didn’t cover was how smartbands fit into the future of wearable tech.
A smartband is the bridging of smartwatches and fitness-oriented tech bands. This is predicted to be the year that wearable tech becomes a “key consumer technology,” and more than 17 million wearable bands are predicted to ship in 2014.
Chris Jones, an analyst for market research firm Canalys, predicts that smartbands will cannibalize the markets of its predecessors, much like smartphones pushed its less-feature-oriented elders out of the hands of consumers. "Increasingly, smartbands will adopt basic band features as the two categories converge,” Jones told TechCrunch.
Still not sold that smartbands may just be the greatest thing since The Beatles and will be capturing the hearts and wallets of consumers for years to come? Well, consider the Razer Nabu, a smartband by gaming giant Razer that in less than twenty-four hours attracted more than ten thousand developers to create apps for the new piece of wearable tech.
Some companies that have kept away from or faltered in the traditional smartphone and tablet markets have decided that the potential for gains in the wearable tech industry is just too great to pass up. In fact, for some companies, an entry into the wearable tech world could mean much more to their direction and longevity.
Matt Hamblen of ComputerWorld anticipates that Sony’s push for stake in the wearables market could signal a rebirth for the company. The electronics juggernaut has decided to throw its hat in the wearable tech ring with the introduction of the Sony Smartband, which touts a Core sensor and has plenty of exciting apps that communicate with smartphones.
For some, this causes alarm that soon everyone will be covered from head-to-toe in tech. However, it is possible that a computer-packed wearable on your wrist could lead to less reliance on smartphones and other current tech, which is something that could greatly alter the landscape of mobile markets and change how consumers view their relationships with technology.
Do you think smartbands have a role in business? Will you purchase a smartband this year? Do you already own a smartband or know someone who owns one? Tell us in the comments below.
