When will wearable devices become truly popular?

If you often pay attention to the trends in the field of technology and digital technology, you will find that the term "wearable devices" appears almost as often as smartphones. Sports wristbands, smart watches, smart glasses and even smart clothing all fall into the category of wearables, and seem to be the next darling in the consumer field.

But what is the reality? Maybe many ordinary people don't understand what "wearable devices" are, and not many consumers actually buy them. Apart from the predictions and prospects of countless industry analysts trying to prove the value of wearable devices, we haven't seen any real product or marketing breakthroughs. So, when, or will wearable devices become popular one day?

How big is the market?

In early 2014, Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms, released research data, claiming that 10 million wearable devices would be sold by the end of 2014. In September, market research firm Juniper raised this figure to 27 million units, and by 2017, total sales will reach an objective 100 million units.

Not only research institutions, but also technology and digital media, and comprehensive social life media, almost all regard wearable devices as the "next smartphone", and even the fashion industry is eager to get involved. But it is obvious that if you observe your friends around you, how many people are wearing smart watches?

Massive hype means high expectations

Gartner analysts may have said something fair: judging from the hype and exposure cycle chart, wearable devices are currently in a high expectation stage. In fact, various user survey data are actually very vague. For example, if you ask passers-by whether they want a "watch that can monitor blood pressure", the answer is almost always yes, just like "whether you want a flying car". If such a product really appears on the market, consumers will obviously not be as straightforward as in the user survey, but will carefully consider the design, function, practicality and price.

Samsung's smartwatch is a typical example. Although it has 6 models on sale, most Samsung mobile phone users have not followed suit. Android Wear watches and smart jewelry of various brands are in the same situation and are still small toys for technology enthusiasts. The only ones that are quite attractive are various fitness wristbands, although many users just want to see the novelty.

But on the other hand, high expectations mean high investment. After all, as the smartphone market becomes saturated, manufacturers need to find new profit points. In other words, wearable devices will not suddenly disappear one day, but will continue to heat up.

When will the era of wearable devices arrive?

Although the current product form and sales are not ideal, it does not mean that wearable devices have no future. In fact, popular digital products such as smartphones have all gone through a long period of development and continuous hype before finally becoming popular after the technology and platform were gradually improved.

Apple 's Apple Watch may be a turning point in the development of wearable devices. It may not be as amazing as the iPhone, but at least Apple's reputation is enough to make ordinary people begin to understand the term "smart watch". Obviously, wearable devices still need to go through a "don't care" stage. As long as the products are constantly updated, new technologies are constantly adopted and continue to ferment in the market, I believe that their popularization is just around the corner.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.