Wearable technology gadgets are not a new concept, but the technological advancements and affordability in this field have led to an explosion of products entering the market. The days of outdated smartphone armband holders are over. Thanks to better technology, motion sensors, and increased sensitivity, people can choose from various options like smartwatches, smart glasses, and fitness trackers.
The wearable market is on a consistent rise in India. According to IDC datathe Indian wearables market shipped 13.9 million units in Q1 2022, up 20.1 percent year-over-year (YoY).
Integrating voice assistants and trendy and sleek designs have led to an immersive and interactive user experience. It is expected that the growth in the wearable industry will follow the growth curve of smartphones when the sector started ramping up a few years ago.
Here are some of the key trends that will shape the future of wearable technology gadgets in India:
Better hardware and software
In recent years, the wearable tech segment has gone through a massive shift. It is expected that advancements in software and hardware will continue in the future. The improvements are not only limited to creating sleek and trendy designs but would also focus on creating products that did not exist before in the wearable tech industry. With virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of things (IoT), consumers will be spoilt for choice in the connected future.
Launch of affordable options
The various other products in the wearable tech industry are expected to follow the trend of smartwatches. The watches were introduced with a hefty price tag and attractive features. As the industry matured, more manufacturers could offer the same or better features at a fraction of the cost.
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Other products like headwear and glasses are expected to see the same trend of launching affordable options from various manufacturers in the future. It is the same trend that has been seen from computers to smartphones. As these wearables move into the lifestyle category from the technology segment, it is expected that they will become more mainstream with consumers.
Introduction of specialised products
The future of the wearable tech industry would include introducing specialised products from various consumer segments. For instance, some wearables are focused exclusively on women, gamers and fitness enthusiasts.
However, the industry has just scratched the surface in launching specialised wearables for various consumers. The future has strong potential for launching tailor-made products for different interest groups.
Launch of 5G technology
It will be a mistake to think that the launch of 5G is only about faster data speeds. It is essential to realise that it will impact all technology areas, including wearable tech.
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Just as the launch of 3G and 4G made it possible to stream music and video a daily reality, it is expected that the launch of 5G technology will create an ecosystem for wearable tech manufacturers to deliver immersive experiences to the users.
Wearable tech for mental health
A significant focus of wearable tech has been on the physical health of an individual. Although this capability has been explored adequately by consumers, it has led to the creation of a large segment of loyal users.
The next phase of growth is expected to come from an adequate focus on mental health issues. As these devices enable monitoring and assessment of users in a non-intrusive manner in real-time, the sensors in wearable devices can be used effectively to track the state of mental health of individuals.
The wearable tech industry has undergone a paradigm shift to achieve a strong presence in the Indian market. It is expected that the future will be equally exciting for the industry, with many ground-breaking innovations coming to the fore.
At the same time, several wearables would get more affordable for the consumer while adding more features simultaneously. Wearables provide an AR/VR-powered immersive experience to consumers to live smart and stay connected.
(The author is the CEO of Gizmore, an Indian smart accessories and audio brand. It offers a diverse range of products including smartwatches, neckbands, headphones, earphones, TWS, multimedia speakers with Trolley, and Tower Speakers.)
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