1 In 6 Who Know About Wearables Use Them

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

Of those who know about wearables, one in six are actually wearing them according to a recent report

In January, one survey showed more than half of consumers were interested in buying wearable technology. Even our own editor-in-chief admits he has been “bit by the wearable technology bug.” So it’s no surprise that the Nielsen’s Connected Life Report found recently one in six people who know about wearables are now actually wearing them.

According to MobiHealth News, 61 percent of those who responded owned fitness wristbands and 45 percent owned smartwatches. Seventeen percent of people owned a device in a broader undefined “mobile health device” category.

What motivated these consumers to buy their wearables? Owners of smart watches say the top reason they purchased was for convenience, and 35 percent said the purchase was to “supplement their smartphone addiction.” More than half of fitness band buyers said the ability to self-monitor and health concern were their top motivators.

Respondents ranked the most important features of wearables as well:

• smart watch owners said functionality (81 percent), comfort (79 percent), and durability (82 percent)
• fitness band owners said accuracy (70 percent),battery life (64 percent), and durability (73 percent)

“Nearly half of Americans surveyed expressed their interest in purchasing wearable tech in the near future. But cost will likely be a limiting factor—72 percent of users said they wish wearables were less expensive. Another barrier to entry could be fashion, as 62 percent said they wish wearables came in forms besides wrist bands and watches, and 53 percent wanted wearable devices that look more like jewelry. This market will likely continue evolving—consumers are already looking for new form factors in wearable designs, including smart glasses and textiles, for their future purchases,” said Nielsen’s researchers.