Wearable Technology Markets Forecast

The Wearable Technology Market Forecast 2015-2020 offers a wealth of information for companies and start-ups in this sector to help shape their future. If you were undertaking a venture in this area, then it would be an invaluable resource and would shape the development of your product, marketing, and sales. To a buyer like me, the report would only inform me of the recent trends in this sector and the projected future for each of the many technologies listed. It would not help me determine whether each technology had a real application in education and a measurable effect on the teaching and learning in my classrooms. I would either need to read previous research or conduct my own research to understand the effectiveness.

The wearable technology forecast offers different value depending on one’s role in the education system. The forecast offers information on upcoming trends in wearable technology, and will inform principals and superintendents on any investment decision they may make on purchasing technology for use in schools. The analysis of different companies and their products offered in the report will assist in informing investors in making sound decision on product choice. One shortfall however, is that the report does not necessarily come with information on the educational benefit of wearable technologies, and will only be useful for administrators when it comes making a sound monetary investment. The wearable technology forecast offers less value towards teachers and education technologists. The report does not appear to offer any information on apps, and ways that the wearable technology discussed in report can help teachers in their daily jobs. The report will only serve to inform teachers of different products in the wearable industry and some of the leading companies in the technology, and could definitely be used as a teaching tool for marketing and business education teachers.This report is targeted towards venturers and offers the most value towards their cause. Using the cube as an analytical frame work, the report offers information on all aspects important to learning technology ventures. The report’s focus on smart watches, wearable cameras, fitness & activity trackers, m-health, e-textiles are AR-glasses discusses the different types of offerings in the wearable industry, and also the successes and potential in each of the different product types. The report also provides information on different global regions and will inform readers of ongoing, and potential trends in each location. It will allow venturers to learn the market status about the different locations they work, or want to work in. Finally, the report also discusses many of the major players in today’s wearable technology market, which serves to inform venturers of any competition they may face in the industry. Overall, the report is a must have for any venturer in the wearable technology field.As for my own personal impact, I find that the report is less useful. As a teacher, I am more interested in the different ways wearable technology can impact my teaching practices. The report does not offer information that can immediately affect my teaching. Most teachers also do not have the purchasing power to procure wearable technology for their classrooms, so learning about the upcoming trends may not influence their professional success. I would recommend the report to administrators if they are wanting to be more informed about any investment choices they make in wearable technology in the classroom.

This was a particularly interesting read that I believe has considerable value to technology enthusiasts and educators. I have to admit that I had this market ranked much lower than others during last week’s activity. Yet, after careful investigation, I can see how the wearables market has the potential to explode further in the coming years, especially as the article highlights that this is already a $16 billion market today. Granted, like so many new technologies that come and go, the report highlights that it may only take one or a few new devices, such as Apple’s SmartWatch, to greatly impact or alter the potential of that market. But, could Apple’s new do-all wearable device, be that product? Well, it could be. Gartner, one of the world’s leading technology research companies, suggests that the wearables market is poised to grow by 48 percent by 2017 as individuals continue to adopt such devices as part of a lifestyle trend. The article is available here: http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3198018. In fact, they see products, which includes the SmartWatch, as being a major driver to growth in this area. I can envision this technology market impacting many different sectors. In fact, the wearables market is likely to impact the medical community in the years to come. Those with chronical illnesses, such as diabetes, may benefit the most from wearable technology. The fact remains that the population is aging and the rates of diseases like diabetes are skyrocketing to epidemic rates. It would seem that the medical sector could benefit greatly from wearables that can monitor, support and assist patients. Granted, it may not be at the forefront today but that can certainly change quickly and evidence suggests that this should be a major focus. Check out the following: http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2014/11/20/wearable-technology-and-digital-healthcare-strategies-should-shift-focus-to-chronic-medical-illness/#1dc24ef729a7 So, what about the education sector? As with the medical community, it does seem apparent that wearables could have an impact within the educational setting. Perhaps students could benefit from a device that allows them to better engage in their learning with wearable ‘technology’ glasses (that records lectures or allows for learning details to be displayed visually). Or, maybe an educator can use a device that allows them to improve interactions or monitoring of their students. The following article highlights many of these potential advantages to both instructors and students in the classroom: http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/04/imaging-the-classroom-of-2016-empowered-by-wearable-technology/ But, as with most emerging technologies, many questions remain unanswered. Will these devices be necessary? I agree with assertions that wearables could provide opportunities in the classroom but I still believe we need to further investigate how to best incorporate it effectively and efficiently. One of the challenges I see with this report has to do with the cost. A price tag of $1635 limits the potential of this report to reach a broader audience. However, the topic and summary provides a good overview of this fascinating and emerging topic. Overall, I feel that this resource provides the audience with a good baseline of where the wearables technology market is today and the unlimited potential that exists for it in the years to come.

This resource has considerable value for educators. Not only does it highlight a number of up-and-coming wearable technologies, it outlines and analyzes in great detail the “prospects for the wearable technology market”. As stated in the report summary, wearable technology has considerable potential for applications in mHealth. As an administrator for a medical education program I can see how wearable technology has and will continue to have a significant impact on the ways in which doctors are educated and practice in the future. Wearables provide physicians new ways of gathering data about their patients, while concurrently allowing patients greater insight and accountability for the management of their own health. The challenge with all technologies is selecting which out of the many is most applicable for the outcome desired. A report such as this helps to determine where best to dedicate resources. What I also appreciated about this summary was that it highlighted some of the anticipated challenges such as “regulatory decisions in the case of mHealth”. Overall adoption of this technology could be impacted by any number of factors. While I would love to read this report in full, the cost to access it is definitely a deterrent. I would seek out future versions of this report, with the hope that it would be available freely for all those interested. Here is an interesting blog article on Hootsuite that discusses wearables and social media. Keep an eye out for the section discussing ‘Smartshirts’ and their application as Healthcare technology, and opportunities for the visually impaired: https://blog.hootsuite.com/wearable-tech-series/

Ah wearable tech...It’s out there, and it works, but how integrated is it in your life? This isn’t just about the specifications. But the experience is something else entirely. How well does it melt in what we already do in our lives? Is it useful? Sure. Can I do without it? Yes. Apple’s iWatch has received “ok” reviews and most figure it’s a nice to have more than a desired need; PLUS it makes you look good, apparently. But what many ventures in the wearable tech industry haven’t quite figured out is what the user is seeking. What are you selling me? Is it making my life any better? Am I excited about your product because it will IMPROVE my life? Will it make me healthier? Some think so. Wearable tech is still new and many have no idea what they would even want wearable tech to do for them in the first place. I’ve noticed few instances where wearable tech was being used in the greater community of educators, one being Google Glass. I’ll be honest, nothing groundbreaking or exciting. There is however some movement in using Google Glass in teacher training programs and how this may very well impact the learning of the teacher candidates but also further research in how teacher training programs improve their very own pedagogy and approach to educating student teachers. As a elementary school teacher, wearable tech is in no way useful at this point in time, however, I find the idea of using them interesting and possibly exciting. Using them in an elementary school classroom could prove either impressive or a complete distraction. And yes, some have tried it, but I’m not convinced. Still, it looks cool. Where not there yet and the price is not there yet, much further than the average consumer can afford. But in the future, it will become ubiquitous. For wearable technology to work, it needs to have lifestyle integration. It shouldn’t get in the way of what we do and in the interest of education, how we learn. One must elevate the user experience. I’m not inherently excited about wearable tech. Reasons? We’re JUST not there yet. Sure we have VR, AR and the likes. More importantly It's not the feature, it's the implementation. I want technology that is transformative and amazing. I feel is it giving out more problems than solutions. VR and AR: I'm sure the possibilities are endless. Perhaps immersing students into digital worlds having to interact with other VR sprites. With Skype translator now available within its main client, I envision students placing the oculus rift on their heads and entering a cafe, or restaurant or even placed into the country they are currently learning the language. The translator could be set and they could see the translation happening in real time then the system would prompt them to try and interact with the world in using the language. It's going to happen very soon! This opens up so many possibilities for distance learning allowing students to interact with the world in the comfort of their own home. I would be curious to see how this could affect learning and the pedagogical research that would come from the first generation of distance VR learners. Would there be consequences? What are the results in doing this? Can VR distance learners ben more efficient in their learning, would it negate or slow the learning? What are the socio-economic factors involved? Finally, will I seek out further reviews of this post. Maybe. I like the idea of wearable tech, I think it will be transformative, heck I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t want to be one of those guys wearing an Apple watch; but we’ve just not found the right balance of what is a perfect user experience that is transformative, rather we are selling a glorified tracker that pings us once and a in a while. I’m interested though, very interested, and I feel this will be impressive when the time comes.

The resource is a very valuable to an educator and training working within a military construct. Wearable technology can have a positive impact on military members by providing real time feedback and enhanced learning opportunities. A currently project that is being developed within the Army is to provide all members with a wearable device in order to increase physical fitness activity. Also, within the outline for the project, tracking of sleep is considered to be of value. Studies have suggested that lack of sleep takes away from the ability to conduct missions safely and effectively. This is just the surface of wearable technology, additional technologies will constantly need to be considered and evaluated. A resource of this nature, including is forecasting of the wearable technologies is something to keep in great consideration. Not all wearable technologies might be a perfect fit for the military but concepts and ideas might lead to the development of devices that suit the needs better. As technology continues to be added into and outside of the curriculum, educators as a whole should be keeping a keen eye on a resource such as this. Educational technology is very much at the forefront and should be always considered when looking at how to improve teaching and learning. All educators should have some level of familiarity with the advancements in edTech. Personally, I would expect myself to seek out future versions on this. I am a part of a world that is always advancing in technology as a fast rate, and to be kept up-to-date with educational technology is very important. As an educational advisor to the leadership of the forces, I need to be updated so I can provide accurate recommendations to command about such topics. I would recommend a resource like this to my peers in both a military and non-military work environment. I think it is important to keep tabs on edTech and the use of it to increase teaching and learning.

I'm a Home Economics teacher at West Vancouver Secondary School. I have taught textiles in the past and I find it very interesting to have wearable technology incorporated into society and also in the classroom. I'm curious to see the future of wearable technology and how it will affect our society as a whole. If it can enhance the quality of our lives and to make it more efficient, why not? But my question is how will it be washed? Will it be detachable? Humans perspire and from what I have noticed, technology and water/detergent don't usually go together. I have a fitbit, my colleague has an AppleSmart watch and I just discovered my iPhone has a health app. If these devices can be integrated into our glasses, clothes and shoes, as educators, we need to keep up with the times. I can see it as a survey or data collection for math in our classroom lessons or even with textiles or fashion classes. I'm going to a wedding this weekend, what if the bride's dress had a camera installed in the bust and it was able to record the event through her eyes? That would be very cool. Whenever I think of textiles and technology, I come back to Raj on Big Bang Theory! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kViJUVoku9w One of the teachers at my school wore an ugly Christmas sweater with his iphone playing a fireplace. He just placed it in the front pocket and it just played. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81YUiTnTVJw

As stated in the overview, VR and AR will likely to gain dramatic popularity and revenue growth after 2018. I find this statement very true. I think that as education moving towards internet, it will acquire more and more technologies to provide same learning experience as in a traditional classroom setting. To achieve this, VR or AR will play a key role. Although the technologies may not seem popular right now, it is a real promise to the education industry to build a virtual school on internet. I do agree with cquarrie that the technologies need to be defined properly in order to provide critical assistance in distance education. Without proper planning of VR, the technology can be somewhat useless as other classmates perviously argued in the VR forum. However, I see VR as a way to change where the class takes place rather than changing how people get educated. We need time in order to figure out how to efficiently and appropriately use the technologies, but it won't change the fact that this technology may be the solution to move whole school online.

I find it interesting that this overview of Wearable Tech includes the use of Virtual Reality headsets. I hadn't considered VR or AR to be included with Wearable Tech, so this brings forward the question of "What exactly defines Wearable Technology?". Could a clip-on iPod be considered wearable technology? Must the technology possess connectivity of some kind (Bluetooth/Wifi)? Google Glasses (now discontinued) is an Augmented Reality device, but could be considered wearable tech... Does strapping an iPhone to an armband make your iPhone Wearable Tech? I have seen LED's and other tech being incorporated into textiles as well... I'm curious about this technology but I'm not sure where one would 'draw the lines' between Wearable Technology and other technology.