IDTechEx's event Wearable Technology LIVE! is a conference and tradeshow being held on November 19-20 in Santa Clara, CA. The event is co-located with a series of highly relevant and synergic tradeshows and conferences on Printed Electronics, Energy Harvesting & Storage and the Internet of Things, which are open to all participants. It is anticipated that over 2500 attendees and 200 exhibitors will attend this influential event.
The event focuses on wearable technologies, applications and their commercialization, as well as providing views from end-users in health & fitness, sportswear, textiles and consumer electronics industries. With presenting companies including Adidas, Oxylane, Google, Bayer Healthcare, Fitbit, 4iii, Samsung and many more, IDTechEx have assembled the largest players in the industry across the entire value chain.
In 2014 alone, $1bn will be invested in wearable technology. The largest companies in the world are competing for a slice of a market which IDTechEx analysts predict will be worth $70bn in 2024. General interest in wearable technology has increased 10-fold since 2013. For more detailed insights into the vast opportunities available, see the IDTechEx report Wearable Technology 2014-2024.
IDTechEx have extensive expertise and impressive research collections across the most significant enabling technologies for wearable devices. Our analysts also maintain a database of over 1200 companies across the entire wearables ecosystem. This extensive knowledgebase gives unique insights into technologies, players and opportunities in this highly competitive field.
Wrist-worn devices are currently the most popular area for wearables. Smart watches in particular have been well publicized, especially since the Apple Watch was announced. Smart wristbands (e.g. Fitbit Flex and Jawbone Up) have become increasingly popular. These devices don't require FDA approval, so the industry has moved quickly, resulting in fierce competition. Convergence to the wrist is a sensible first step for developers. The electric watch is nearly 60 years old, and typically has form factor and specifications which suit more advanced devices. However, there is a huge number of emerging technologies which will allow developers to get creative as the industry expands beyond the wrist. Sensors are becoming increasingly versatile and mobile, energy harvesting/storage is becoming smaller and more efficient and e-textiles are beginning to emerge.
