Commentary

Dick Tracy Wrist Watches Not Ready For Prime Time

According to a new study released today by TNS, despite recent efforts by big tech companies, the majority of consumers are not ready for wearable technology and there appears to be a large gap between current technology and mass adoption,

While three-fourths of consumers are aware of at least one wearable computing device, less than 9% are currently interested in using them. 31% say privacy hinders further interest to adoption; 55% believe that the technology will be too expensive for them, while 24%feel they already have too many devices. Samsung’s announcement of its Galaxy Gear device helped push Smartwatch awareness up by 10 percentage points in the previous week.

Consumer Interest in Wearable Technology (% of American Adults)

Interest

% of Respondents

US adults aware of at least one wearable device

75%

Currently interested in using

9%

Prefer wrist-based device

52%

Too expensive to purchase

55%

Privacy a barrier to adoption

31%

Source: TNS, September 2013

Tom Buehrer, Senior Vice President at TNS, says “… wearable computing… still in infancy… challenge lies in convincing people of its value… and a device with mass appeal… “

Wearables are meant to be worn, and how they feel is a huge part of the equation, says the report. When given a choice, the majority of consumers surveyed would prefer to have a wrist-based device, such as a smartwatch or smart bracelet. The next most preferred place is on their arm, with 24% saying they would prefer a device on this part of their body. Only 5% indicate they would want to wear a device on their eyes.

Despite its’ lack of broad adoption, wearable devices have enormous potential for uses in health and fitness, navigation, social networking, commerce, and media, notes the report. Nearly 34% of those surveyed indicated that if using wearable technologies they would do so to monitor their health, and communicate with their friends.

Buehrer, concluded, “… wearables will transform our lives in numerous ways… imagine having information… right in front of you… like a colleague’s name or important anniversary dates… (or) using your wrist to pay for lunch or to buy movie tickets… ”

For additional information from TNS, please visit here.

 

 

 

 

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