Internet of Things & Wearable Technology Insights

Consumers still aren’t completely sold on the idea of wearables. According to a survey of more than 1,000 American consumers by Colloquy, nearly two-thirds (63%) believe wearables are too expensive. At the same time, more than half (52%) said they don’t know enough to fully understand them.

 

“The perception is because of the newness [of the devices], you’re going to pay more,” Jeff Berry, Colloquy’s research director, tellsMarketing Daily. “The ‘too expensive’ comment may be more about the perception of the devices than the reality for consumers.”

 

Also, a third (35%) of consumers said they viewed the devices as a passing fad that may not be worth the investment....

FITNESS TRACKERS ARE getting a whole lot more stylish.

 

The latest batch of wearables lets you have your fitness tracking and your fashion, too. They’re ditching neutral monochrome and sporty, almost utilitarian, styling for a rainbow of colors, faux gems, and other flair that make them suitable for any time of day, and any occasion. The change reflects the maturation of the market and the growing sophistication of consumer tastes.

 

“When the first activity trackers started coming out, that sporty look was what people wanted. Now we’re moving away from that,” Garmin media relations associate Amy Noury said. The company just launched its first smartwatch, the $250 Vivoactive. It’s a handsome, sleek gadget that resembles the Pebble smartwatch and builds on its general purpose activity trackers, the Vivofit and Vivosmart. It’s GPS enabled and can track activities like cycling, running, swimming, or golf. Garmin also updated its Vivofit fitness tracker with additional features and a host of bright silicon strap colors and styles, including ones patterned with designs by Jonathan Adler.

 

We started seeing more attractive fitness trackers from the likes of Withings last year, but the trend has firmly established itself here at CES....

 

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