Wikipedia’s defines wearable tech as ‘clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies’. It’s a very broad term that can refer to technology that can be worn as clothing or an accessory that incorporates advanced technologies.The market for wearable technology percieved as the next generation of data-processing devices is expected to grow, with Yano Research Institute predicting a market in the 100-million-unit range for watch related devices and in the 10-million-unit range for eyeglass-type devices. Slowly but surely it is becoming mainstream, and has caught the public’s attention. Not everyone believes the hype though, Ken Hess’s witty ZDNET article cautions against the hype and wonders where the market is:
“Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks that wearable tech is, since the Great Debate on the topic of Wearable Computing reader opinion poll is split 50:50 right now. Half of you agree with me, which might be 25 percent more than those who usually agree with me. Certainly Google Glass is an experiment in futility. No one will ever seriously wear this thing nor could one be productive with it. Wearable tech, to be useful to and adopted by the masses, will have to be unobtrusive, unobstructive, and unnoticeable. In other words, so small and so lightweight that you don’t realize it’s there”.
The potential is there, nevertheless to impact businesses and could revive ailing high streets. And according to a study compiled by the Centre for Creative and Social Technology at Goldsmiths University, sixty percent of Americans felt that the phenomenon had helped them improve the way they managed their life.
James Martell, VP of Business Development at The School of Internet Marketing, sat down and spoke to Sarah Bundy and Aftaab Gulam about how such as Google Glass will impact the world and the affiliate industry in years to come. Sarah Bundy is a marketing expert who founded and runs successful digital marketing agency, All Inclusive Marketing, and is also a instructor at The School of Internet Marketing. Aftaab Gulam is a technology blogger who has been previously nominated for a Webby Award and runs an established technology blog that has taken on the likes of the Huffington Post.
“The wearable technology industry is currently valued at $4bn and is set to rise to between $13-15bn in the next five years”, explains Gulam.
Knowing what trends are going to be big in the future is something that really needs to be identified early to stay ahead in the affiliate marketing industry. Technology, in particular, is one aspect of society that is always evolving and it’s important to learn and understand what the next trends may be in order to help keep a business running. Wearable technology products have already blended together many of the features that are currently seen in tablets and smartphones but have been adapted to make them much easier and practical to use on the streets.
“Wearable technology is going to be an incredible phenomenon, and the new norm in the years to come. Digital marketers will need to figure out how best to communicate and send targeted messages with changes in technology being worn rather than carried.” says Sarah Bundy.
You can download the interview here or listen in your browser.
image credit: Google, infographic via Mashable
Hayden Richards is Contributor of IntelligentHQ. He specialises in finance, trading, investment, and technology, with expertise in both buy-side, sell-side. Contributing and advising various global corporations, Hayden is a thought leader, researching on global regulatory subjects, digital, social media strategies and new trends for Businesses, Capital Markets and Financial Services.
Aside from the articles, interviews and content he writes for IntelligentHQ, Hayden is also a content curator for capital markets, analytic platforms and business industry emerging trends. An avid new media explorer Hayden is driven by a passion for business development, innovation, social business, Tech Trading, payments and eCommerce. A native Trinidadian, Hayden is also a veteran, having served with the Royal Air Force Reserves for the past 10 years.
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