They’re more than just a fad, folks. They’re also becoming indispensable commodities for tech and business decision-makers all over the world.
Unquestionably, consumer interest in wearables is strong, but new data from Forrester shows that “enterprise demand for wearables is even greater.”
Today, 68% of global technology and business decision-makers say that wearables are a priority for their firm, with 51% calling it a moderate, high, or critical priority.
Why will wearables be such a big priority in 2015, Forrester asks?
“Businesses now see a clear return on investment from wearables, expecting these emerging devices to both increase operational efficiency and reshape customer experiences,” the report summary announcement reads. “But take note: This isn’t about hardware. Instead, forward-looking companies in all industries are creating innovative services — often served by entirely new business models — that reach people in mobile moments of need. For example, Ralph Lauren’s Polo Tech smart shirt, built on OMsignal’s technology, tracks detailed biometrics like peak heart rate while the wearer is exercising. Mounted by your bedside and under your pillow, the Withings Aura Smart Sleep System both tracks and improves your sleep.”
As far as the wearables “endgame” is concerned, Forrester says it goes far beyond whether or not the Apple Watch will take off.
“Forrester predicts wearables will create an all-body network that receives a variety of inputs and then acts on them,” the announcement adds. “This in turn will create a whole new level of contextual data, allowing marketers to uncover new markets and revenue opportunities and offer individualized pitches and products.”
