The world's biggest tech companies (Samsung, Google, Apple, etc) are all betting big on wearable smart devices like smartwatches becoming the next big thing. But are they right? Is the world actually ready for computers on our wrists or heads?
Smartwatches look set to become pretty big, or at least, that's what we've been led to believe. Literally everyone seems to be getting in on the smartwatch craze, with companies like Samsung, Sony and Pebble getting a headstart, whilst Google, HTC, Apple, LG, ZTE and others are all preparing their own competitors. The question is, will anyone buy them? Sony have failed twice already to make a successful smartwatch, and the third version doesn't seem to be doing any better. Even the tech giant that is Samsung have had a hard time shifting the Galaxy Gear, and have been forced to give it aggressive price cuts in order to boost sales. Pebble seem to be doing well from within the tech world with tech enthusiasts claiming it's the best of all the smartwatches, but in terms of mass market sales, even the Pebble is struggling. In total, there were 2 million smartwatches sold worldwide in 2013, compared to over 1 billion smartphones shipped in the same period. This could suggest two things; either the smartwatch market is only getting started and their is plenty of room for expansion, or that people just don't want a smartwatch. What do we even mean when we say "smartwatch"? Is it a watch that performs the same capabilities as a smartphone or smart TV? No. Smartwatches aren't smart. In fact, they get their brain power from your ordinary smartphone, and simply display notifications or offer remote access to your smartphone. Of course, it's easier to glance to your wrist than pull a phone out of your pocket to check that latest message, or see the time, but is that convenience worth the £100+ price tag asked for a smartwatch? Obviously that's your choice to make, but in terms of global sales I don't think it will be enough. Especially since most smartphone and tablet growth now is coming from budget devices. Would you rather scrimp on a full smartphone just to get a smartwatch alongside or pile the cash into one awesome device? Smartwatches are currently too expensive for what they offer. The way I see it, the smartwatch market will become split into expensive devices that actually do offer full smartphone capabilities on your wrist, and budget and super simplified smartwatches that are simply extremely cheap smartphone accessories that make checking your notifications easier. As to how companies will market these devices, I have no idea....
Smartwatches are one thing, but smart glasses are another. Google are currently the only major player in this niche, and even they haven't actually released Glass yet. But when Glass does launch this year, will it be a success? If course, pricing is key, and Google have promised they won't charge the ludicrous $1500 it cost to join the Google Glass Explorer programme (essentially a beta test for Glass), but the chances are it'll still be pretty expensive. But even if Glass was affordable, I guarantee sales would be less than impressive. Google Glass is a cool concept, but I doubt many people will actually want to wear a computer. People are concerned about how it looks, not knowing how to control it, and whether there is any real point. Wouldn't it be just as easy, and much more normal looking, to that use a smartphone? Glass is a great little device, and the idea behind it is near enough genius, but in reality Google will have a nightmare convincing people to use it. As time goes on, its possible that we'll all end up walking around with Glass or similar products, but I seriously doubt it will happen any time soon.
So tell us, do you have a smartwatch? Would you buy a smartwatch or Google Glass in the near future? Do you think smart wearables will actually catch on?