wearable

Wearable computers, also known as body-borne computers or wearables are miniature electronic devices that are worn by the bearer under, with or on top of clothing. This class of wearable technology has been developed for general or special purpose information technologies and media development.

The Future of Wearable Technology: Why Sensors Are the Better Option

As technology advances, wearables have become increasingly popular in the health and fitness industry.

However, sensors may prove to be the better option when it comes to tracking and monitoring various aspects of our health. Let's start a conversation about the benefits of using sensors over wearables and why it is the future of technology.

Most Users of Health, Fitness Wearables Report Challenges

About 8% of consumers globally own a wearable fitness tracker and 6% own a wearable health monitor, but few appear to find these smart devices easy to use, according to a new report from Accenture, MobiHealthNews reports (Dolan, MobiHealthNews, 1/6).

Report Details, Findings

For the report, Accenture surveyed 24,000 consumers who were at least 14 years old in 24 countries between October 2014 and November 2014 (Gold, "Morning eHealth," Politico, 1/7).

The survey found that within the 12 months after taking the survey:

  • 12% of respondents planned to buy a wearable fitness tracker; and
  • 10% planned to buy a wearable health monitor.

In addition, about 40% of respondents said they planned to buy either a health or fitness wearable device within the next five years (MobiHealthNews, 1/6).

However, the survey found that 83% of consumers who purchased a smart device -- including wearable fitness trackers, wearable health monitors and smartwatches -- said they had trouble using them (Accenture report, 1/5).

Regarding wearable health monitors:

  • 24% of respondents said they were too complicated;
  • 22% said the devices did not set up properly; and
  • 21% said they did not work as advertised (MobiHealthNews, 1/6).

Recommendations

To gain further consumer confidence, the report suggested that smart device vendors should:

  • Foster high levels of data security and privacy;
  • Offer stand-out digital brands; and
  • Provide a great consumer experience "right out of the box" (Accenture report, 1/5).
Source: iHealthBeat, Wednesday, January 7, 2015