Smart wearable device shipments to near 130 million by 2018

Smart wearable device shipments, including smart watches and glasses, will approach 130 million by 2018, 10 times higher than estimated this year, according to a report from Juniper Research.

The report noted that the change in adoption levels can be attributable to heightened consumer awareness of wearable technology and new product launches. The research also noted that, with the emergence of major players and other key stakeholders, there is a much more focused approach towards ‘wearable computing’.

However the report noted that, as of now, wearable devices represent a 'nice to have' and not a 'must have' for consumers.

The report also revealed that there are a number of social and legal barriers to the deployment of wearable devices. "However, not all of these hurdles will apply to every device, or every type of device."

Issues such as privacy commonly arise if the wearable device has a camera and gives the appearance of filming at all times. In the case of Healthcare wearables, the most relevant issue is the storage of confidential and personal vital health information by these devices.