17 Sep 2014
Apple Watch: will the smartwatch trend really catch on in the UK?
BY Chris Dodd
Last week saw the long-awaited unveiling of Apple’s first truly new product in four years as it pulled back the curtain on the Apple Watch, but given the recent publication of lukewarm adoption statistics for the smartwatch market, will the trend really catch on?
The introduction of Apple Watch to the health and fitness market will no doubt improve the workouts of enthusiasts and go some way towards encouraging people to be more physically active, though this will take time and rely on early adoption and promotion of the technology’s benefits.
Recent statistics from research house Mintel show just how tentative UK consumers are towards smartwatch devices, despite interest currently raging for more basic health monitors, wearable straps to collate fitness metrics and fitness apps on mobile phones.
As it stands, only two per cent of consumers in the UK currently own a smartwatch, however five times this number are considering purchasing one in the next three months, according to Mintel’s Digital Trends Autumn Report – so interest is certainly beginning to swirl.
However, the problem area for consumers remains around what they’d actually use the device for and whether it actually furthers the functions they can potentially already carry out on their smartphones.
Mintel’s report backs up such concerns by showing that of the 10 per cent of Brits who are considering buying a smartwatch, 31 per cent of them said they like the idea of having one, but don’t actually know what they would end up using it for.
Perhaps one way for manufacturers to satisfy consumers would be to allow a device trial period, with research showing that 44 per cent of those interested would like to try out a smartwatch for a few days before deciding whether or not to buy one.
Indications suggest that as the technology develops and people become more widely aware of its potential perks, interest in purchasing a device will be sure to increase. Such a summation has been backed by figures from interested consumers, with 37 per cent of them believing that smartwatches will become an everyday item in the future.
Read More:
• Apple’s ‘iWatch’ could send wearable sector into overdrive: research
• No pain no gain? Wristband provides electric shock to help banish bad habits
• Revealed: The health and fitness divide between iPhone and Android users
• Wearable tech devices expected to dominate Christmas lists this year
• Google continues wearable tech push with smart lens plans
• Adidas could match Google Fit partnership with new wearable device
• Fitness apps usage spikes 62 per cent in six months
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