Is it Time to get a smartwatch?

Although smartwatch technology has been around for a year or two, many industry commentators are expecting 2015 to be the year things really take off and YouGov research suggests they are likely to be the most sought-after wearable tech in 2015.

Currently just one per cent of consumers have a smartwatch, however 13 per cent are intending on buying wearable technology, and of those 41 per cent want to get a smartwatch.

The device that could make all the difference to the market is the much anticipated Apple watch that will be released in the UK in April. UK prices are yet to be confirmed but prices start at $349 (approximately £230) in the US. With all the hype surrounding the launch it’s expected that early adopters of the watch are likely to drive further buzz across the category adding to the already growing awareness around the new technology.

Across all brands awareness of smartwatches has doubled to 44 per cent since Q4 2012 (Source: IPSOS Mori). That said almost half (47 per cent) of consumers are not yet clear about the benefits that a smartwatch offers. However, as the number of early adopters rises and they continue to showcase the new technology, more and more consumers may start to feel a need that they didn’t know they had.