Posted on 18st April, 2019 by Leo Lambert
As technology continues to grow more advanced, so too does its prominence in our everyday lives. It’s in our cars, how we read our favorite novels, in our pockets and now, on our person. Wearable technology has seen remarkable growth as major companies unveil plans to develop product lines and expand on current capabilities in 2019. This trend should be of note for OEMs in the space looking to capture market share.
Wearable Trend
Whether it’s a Fitbit or Apple Watch, wearable technology has grown immensely popular with today’s consumers. As capabilities continue expanding, so too does the demand for newer, more accurate wearables used to monitor everything from health to environmental conditions. According to Statista, the number of connected wearable devices worldwide will rise to 1.1 billion in 2022, a significant increase from the 526 million reported in 2016.
To further exemplify this segment’s popularity and market potential, eMarketer reports that over 56.7 million US adults will use a wearable device in 2019 and that 3.8 million teens and children will utilize wearable devices in their everyday lives.
5G Will Be a Major Market Driver
As the hype around wearables like smart sunglasses and VR/AR headsets increases, they run almost parallel to the anticipation of commercialized 5G networks and the OEM opportunity that comes with it. While much of today’s wearable devices provide reliable data, the broadband capability of true 5G will transform the industry and its ability to provide exponentially faster and more accurate data.
Just as 5G is influencing the smartphone market, 5G wearables will feature sensors and additional technology to provide real-time vital signs and even pinpoint your exact location to a degree of certainty not capable with today’s GPS systems. With 5G, wearable devices will no longer need to be anchored to a smartphone for example, they’ll have the power to function on their own and interact with other devices instantaneously, 24/7.
The Future of Wearables
Major players in many industries are well underway developing the latest and greatest in wearable tech hoping to capture their share of this bustling market. In addition to the traditional wearables from Apple, for example, fashion and personal care companies like Kate Spade and L’Oréal have introduced a line of designer smartwatches and a stick-on wearable to track your skin’s pH levels. One company has even developed a smart diaper for young parents exemplifying the near limitless applications of wearable technology.
It’s clear the future of wearables is bright. As technology advances and wearable capabilities expand, it’ll be crucial that OEMs act quickly to capture what they can of this growing segment. To meet the increasing consumer demand for wearables, we recommend contacting the knowledgeable professionals at EPTAC to make sure your staff receives the necessary IPC certifications and training to succeed in the space.
About EPTAC
For over 30 years, EPTAC has been a leading provider of solder training and IPC certification. We provide professionals with the tools and training they need to advance their careers and improve their businesses. With 14 locations across North America, our solutions and instructional staff provide an easy access to knowledge that will enhance your business model and help you meet and exceed industry demands. For more information call 800.643.7822 or contact us.
