Analysis: Keeping watch
An array of smartwatches were revealed at this yearâs Consumer Electronics Show, but is it a device market still in limbo?
2015 has been predicted by many to be the year wearable technology finally makes its breakthrough. Googleâs Android Wear reveal last year, coupled with the first smartwatches revealed by the likes of LG and Samsung, lent weight to the firm belief that by the end of this year smartwatches would be very much in the public conscious.
And that notion was ever present at this yearâs Consumer Electronics Show, with a number of smartwatches and other associated wearable technology on display. While wearable technology was a major theme at last yearâs exhibition, the technology has demonstrated marked maturity in comparison to 2014 and looks all the more ready for big market penetration in 2015.
Now, a host of technology companies have readied their own equivalents. Alcatel demonstrated its OneTouch device at the show which, priced at $150, will be one of the cheapest smartwatches available when it launches later this year while fitness device manufacturers Garmin unveiled an expanded version of its Vivofit devices with a watch capable of sending and receiving messages as well as monitoring physical performance.
Meanwhile computing company Intel has elected to partner with fashion brands such as TAG Heuer to ensure that any smartwatch they bring to market looks like something people would want to wear, something which is likely to be a significant driver for any popular smartwatch this year.
But even though the wearables market feels ready to explode, many have argued that it lacks the spark needed to really ignite into life. That is, as per usual with emerging technology, expected to be delivered by Apple when it reveals more and releases its Apple Watch at some point this year.
Having teased it at the technology firmâs keynote address, Apple CEO Tim Cook has refused to divulge any additional information related to the device. Consumers might have expected it to launch just before Christmas, but rumoured supply issues have put paid to those plans and the latest estimates have the Apple Watch down to hit shelves in Q2 2015.
Not only will the general public look towards Apple as the perceived industry leaders in this field, but an Apple-developed device will introduce the wider market to the technology and its capabilities. While thereâs every opportunity for rival devices to surprise, it seems all eyes remain steadfastly on Apple to deliver.