Smart wearables market to be worth $19bn says Juniper Research

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Multi-functional smartwatches & spectacles will drive retail revenues

Retail revenue from smart wearable devices, including smart watches and spectacles (ie Google Glass), will reach $19 billion by 2018 compared according to the latest report from Juniper Research. By comparison retail revenues should be worth $1.4 billion this year [2013]. Revenues will be driven by high price points for these devices allied to their anticipated strong market demand.

Juniper Research has revised upwards the adoption of devices in the two key segments of consumer electronics : – ‘Multimedia & Entertainment’, and ‘Multi-functional’ devices.

The company says that revisions such as these are common in the early years of a new technology category, and reflect the latest announcements from vendors across the sector.

The report, entitled, ‘Smart Wearable Devices: Fitness, Healthcare, Entertainment & Enterprise: 2013-2018‘ contends that the market attractiveness of wearable technology has led to the emergence of a host of players competing against each other. It predicts that the competition will intensify.

Nitin Bhas,  the report’s author, commented, “It is worth observing that this change in adoption levels can also be attributable to heightened consumer awareness of wearable technology and a better visibility of product adoption, especially in the smart watch segment.”

The report anticipates that over time several changes will occur in the smart wearable device market, partly as a result of developments in the app model, and partly due to the increasing use of embedded cellular connectivity within devices.
Subscription revenues will be possible for certain sectors within the market.

Companies such as Fitbit and FiLIP are seeking to develop recurring revenues through premium services – facilitated via the smart wearable device or through commission for a service rendered by virtue of the device.

For example, FiLIP is an FCC approved app-based communication watch for children which combines GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities to keep parents and kids connected via two way voice calling, messaging and location functionalities.

The company’s service model is expected to include an up-front device price and an on-going monthly plan.

Other key findings include: -

Vendors need to address key hurdles and critical issues from a social and technological perspective to achieve mass adoption.Significant opportunities will arise for app developers – across the health, fitness, sports and communication segments.

A whitepaper, entitled ‘Smart wearables…beyond mobile’, is now available for free download here.

  Hans Cett is an established freelance author and consultant specialising in the mobile communications industry. He also writes for Countdown2MWC - http://countdown2mwc.wordpress.com/