With unveiling of Apple Watch, the smartwatch market has again started to make headlines and according to Gartner, Android smartwatches will also take off in a big way in the coming years with prices dropping to as low as $30 a piece.
Analysts over at the research firm believe that the Android variants are set to gobble up as much as 40 per cent of consumer wrist watch market by 2016.
The main driver will be the Chinese market, say the research firm. 9 smartphone manufacturers have either launched their first smartwatch or are in the process of launching one.
Apple Watch is said to be behind the new found interest in smartwatches, add analysts in their view. More interest in smartwatch is likely in 2015 when Apple begins shipping its first batch.
Speaking about Apple’s high-price approach to its watches, Gartner research director, Angela McIntyre said, “As with the iPhone, Apple’s high-price strategy for the Watch will limit its market share; yet, with its attention to design and the user interface, we believe this product will attract many users.”
A Gartner study early this year indicated substantial numbers of households in the US are already using wearable devices like dedicated sports watches and other fitness trackers.
Further it was revealed that though interest in Smartwatches has grown by leaps and bounds, there are many issues that need to be sorted out. The primary concern for many is the short battery life when they are clubbed with Smartphone with some running for as less as half a day. Exchangeable batteries could be a way out for many users, say analysts.
