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.
