• by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, August 17, 2017

Smartwatch ownership may start to hit some respectable numbers.

Nine percent of U.S. adults own a smartwatch, an increase of almost 2% from just six months ago.

However, 60% smartwatch ownership growth is projected by the end of next year, according to a new projection.

The study comprised a survey of 5,000 U.S. adults on a panel conducted by NPD Group.

The growth will be driven by new product introductions from market leaders, according to NPD.

The forecasted growth will result in nearly 15% of U.S. adults owning a smartwatch by 2019. New features and capabilities are key differentiators for smartwatches, adding to the projected growth.

The highest smartwatch uses are receiving notifications, tracking activities and getting news updates, based on the survey. Here’s the percentage of smartwatch owners who use each function daily:

• 54% -- Notifications, alerts
• 45% -- Activity tracker
• 31% -- News updates
• 26% -- Phone calls
• 25% -- Alarm clock
• 25% -- Email
• 21% -- Viewing photos, video
• 19% -- GPS, navigation
• 18% -- Remote control for music
• 17% -- Home automation
• 15% -- Control for TV, video

While 13% of millennials have smartwatches, fewer than 9% of the overall market do. Males account for 60% ownership and smartwatch ownership is highest among the lowest income category, those making less than $45,000 a year.

With only 17% using their device for home automation and 15% for controlling a TV, the smartwatch is a great distance from replacing the smartphone as a hub for smart homes.