This is the second in a series of articles that covers some of the topics that grabbed headlines in 2014 and that are likely to do the same in 2015. We?re betting that the release of the Apple Watch in 2015 will give wearable tech a much-needed shot in the arm.
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, officially revealed the Apple Watch in September, and the device will be on your wrist sometime in ?early 2015.? The Apple Watch is designed to be a fashion accessory as well as an adjunct to your smartphone. Apple?s betting that its marketing savvy and attention to detail will make the Apple Watch a must-have device for 2015.
The Apple Watch is gorgeous. This Apple video provides a seductive introduction, and this review from Macworld UK gives an overview of all the features. The Fitbit and other fitness trackers are serviceable devices that fill a specific role, but they?re not works of art.
As usual, Google and partner Samsung have been well out in front. 2012?s big news was Google Glass which seems to have stepped back into the shadows somewhat after a sensational and controversial rollout. In fact, Google Glass is becoming more mainstream; it?s available to anyone in the US or UK with a spare $1500. Google has made upgrades to the original product, but there are still flaws. In its review, Techradar says, ?Google Glass is very much a prototype, even after more than 20 months of being in the hands and on the faces of tens of thousands of beta testers.?
2014 has been a far more modest year with fitness trackers such as the Fitbit and smartwatches such as the Samsung Gear, Motorola Moto and Pebble lines dominating the category.
Apple will change the game with their new watch, but there?s still no agreement on how much that will mean. Many tech observers believe that there?s really not much demand for a smartwatch, but that?s what they said about tablets 5 years ago
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Our prediction is that the Apple Watch will make a big splash as a fashion statement. But that?s not enough to make it a killer app. It?ll be up to the brains in Cupertino, Mountain View and elsewhere to turn a fashion trend into a more independent, practical device.