Welcoming the wearable computing boom

The rumoured-to-be-forthcoming launch of Apple Inc.'s iWatch is only the start of a barrage of wearable computing gadgets expected to hit the market over the next few years.

In recent weeks, major new organisations have reported that Apple is preparing a smart wristwatch computer that runs iOS and features a curved glass shape. Journalists and bloggers have pointed to mounting evidence, including patent filings, to suggest that the iWatch just may be Apple's next big thing.

Google Inc. is also working on augmented reality glasses and plans to release a prototype version of its Google Glasses to application developers in the near future. Canon is already offering "mixed reality" glasses, but they cost $125,000 each.

According to ABI Research, the iWatch and Google Glasses are just two of dozens of wearable computing gadgets soon to hit the consumer market. The research firm predicts a surge in popularity for such gadgets over the next year and says that a wearable computer "could be the norm for most people within five years." ABI projects that the market for wearable computing devices will grow to 485 million device shipments per year by 2018.

According to Josh Flood, a senior analyst at ABI, the furor about wearable computing devices, particularly smart watches and smart glasses, should come as no surprise. Both technologies are very stimulating and some of the applications for the device are rather inspiring, said Flood, in a press statement.

"Apple's curved glass-based watch could prove to be a revelation in the wearable technologies market," said Flood. "The major question is whether the digital time piece will act as a complimentary device to the company's iPhone smartphones or as a stand-alone product with other functionalities like health or activity tracking capabilities."

Today, sports and activity trackers account for the largest chunk of the wearable technologies market, according to ABI. About 61 per cent of the wearable technologies market is expected to be attributed to sport/activity trackers in 2013, according to the firm.

Smartphone compatible watches are beginning to emerge. According to ABI, smart watches offer extra capabilities in an item most people already own and commonly buy. It may become universally expected for watches to include smart features in the future, ABI said.

"The capabilities of smart watches could lead to the device being used as a wearable remote for home automation systems," ABI said. "A quick shake of your wrist to turn off/on room lights would be a very convenient tool."

While rumour has it that iWatch will hit the market sometime this year, ABI said it expects smart glasses to also be available later in 2013.

What other cool wearable computing gadgets are in development or should be?

Dylan McGrath

EE Times