News Feature | May 9, 2014

1 Of 5 Consumers Will Be Using Wearables By 2015

Katie Wike

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

Consumer Healthcare Wearables Growth

Wearable fitness trackers and smart watches are expected to be worn by at least 19 percent of the population by next year.

Devices such as smart watches, activity trackers like FitBit, and even smart glasses such as Google Glass will be worn by one of five Americans by next year. According to ON World’s recent survey of more than 1,000 consumers, 19 percent of American consumers will own one of these devices by 2015.

“Mobile integrated wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Smart have made wearable technologies appealing to mainstream consumers,” says Mareca Hatler, ON World’s research director.  “Fitness continues to be the primary driver but opportunities for wearable devices are growing for personal lifestyle enhancements, safety, comfort and convenience.”

The survey found that, in a younger demographic of Americans ages 18 to 34, more than 30 percent either already owned a device or planned on purchasing one this year. Smart watches are the most popular type of device, followed by activity trackers, smart glasses, heart rate monitors, and smart clothing, Mobi Health News reports.

Perhaps even more important than the number of Americans using wearables is the number of those who believe the devices will create a positive impact. According to the report, “Almost three quarters of the respondents believe wearable technology will have a positive impact on industries such as health and wellness, sports and fitness, safety and security, home automation and energy management.

“A quarter of those aged 18 to 34 believe that wearable technology will have a positive impact on home automation and even more believe wearables will positively influence their safety and security.”

While this survey shows a positive trend for wearable devices, it’s important to keep in mind that although 20 percent are predicted to own a wearable device, another survey has found that consumers quickly lose interest in them. Health It Outcomes reported that more than half of wearable owners no longer use their devices. One third of them stopped using wearables after just six months.