Research shows many wanting wearables won't pay big for Apple Watch
Wearable research shows 1 in 10 US broadband households plan to buy a smartwatch in 2015.
The survey, from Parks Associates, shows 84% of people thinking of getting a smartwatch this year won’t spend over $250 on the device. So with the Apple Watch starting at $349, it appears not everyone is sold on the idea of a premium smartwatch.
And those who are willing to fork out more than $500 on a smartwatch would only buy one if it worked without a smartphone. Bit of a problem with Apple’s current tethered setup – although Android Wear isn’t exactly a solo sailer, it has to be said.
Essential reading: 9 ways to organise your life with wearables
The research suggests that the price point of $100-$250 is roughly equivalent to a high-end fitness tracker. And that’s what makes this price range so palatable for so many.
“Fitness applications are the most popular use cases for smartwatches,” the director of health and mobile product research at Park Associates, Jennifer Kent said. “But music and weather applications are also popular, showing consumers value the multifunctional quality of the smart watch.”
Essential reading: Android Wear on iPhone guide
These results will make for sweet reading for cheaper smartwatch manufactures like Pebble, Sony, and Motorola.
Are you thinking of getting a smartwatch? Budget or premium? Let us know in the comments or head over to our new Forum to talk about it.
