The Next Big Thing in Smart Watches

It seems that these types of personal devices are running out of fuel to lure consumers. The reason for this is the ongoing outburst of smart portable devices, primarily smartphones, and tablets. Now that it has become possible to miniaturize a host of electronic devices, watch manufacturers are tempted to transform personal watches to wearable computing devices.

Pedestrian navigation can also lead the way to imbibe augmented reality features. At present, there is no certainty over the commercial availability of such a device.

Several features of smartphones can be made compatible so that they can be offered in the next generation of personal gadgets. Already firms such as Pebble and WIMM One (now part of Google) have made a name for themselves by introducing devices that can communicate with a user's phone via the Bluetooth option. The ability to notify the user of an incoming call and display SMS straight on the watch screen is touted as favorable features.

Patronized by Seiko (Japan), smartwatches have been in existence for around three decades. Early versions of smartwatches allowed a user to feed data, view different time zones, and perform a basic calculation.

What is really on offer now?

For the time being, technology firms are finding value in introducing smartphone connected watches. In 2013 there were three prominent launches including Samsung Galaxy Gear, Sony SmartWatch, and Qualcomm Toq.

The start-up space will also be equally important to look out for, given the existence of crowd-funding platforms, such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. While PH Technical Labs (funded through Kickstarter) is set to launch its HOT watch, Kreyos (funded through Indiegogo) will be launching its Meteor brand of the smart watch - both during the first half of 2014. Gesture control features, receiving and rejecting calls, sending SMS and receiving real-time notifications are becoming standard features for these types of interactive gadgets.

How competitive is the market and whether the product can be mass-produced?

The ability to notify the user of an incoming call and display SMS straight on the watch screen is touted as favorable features.

Patronized by Seiko (Japan), smartwatches have been in existence for around three decades. Early versions of smartwatches allowed a user to feed data, view different time zones, and perform a basic calculation. Now that it has become possible to miniaturize a host of electronic devices, watch manufacturers are tempted to transform personal watches to wearable computing devices.

Separately, the race to commercialize such an interactive gadget with unique features is eminent as combined efforts from manufacturers worldwide do indicate the fact that globally in 2014 smartwatches are expected to be sold in millions. These devices are likely to follow the suit of smartphones and can be expected to become a supplementary option for tech-savvy individuals looking out for portability and convenience in their personal gadgets.

As a matter of fact, the global market has already become so highly competitive that firms such as MetaWatch are taking time to launch its Meta smartwatch in the latter half of 2014. By that time, the firm will ensure to grab a competitive advantage over its peers by moving beyond plastic bodies and offering dual hinge leather strap design.

Pricing pressure will also push up the innovative efforts in this space to come up with novel features in a timepiece. Bigger firms like Samsung, Google and Apple will also be expected to utilize their mass marketing potential to offer competitively priced products in a market where a consumer can buy an interactive gadget in the range of US$ 150 to US$ 300.

While PH Technical Labs (funded through Kickstarter) is set to launch its HOT watch, Kreyos (funded through Indiegogo) will be launching its Meteor brand of the smart watch - both during the first half of 2014.