In this blog post, we will examine the reasons why wearable devices have not become mainstream despite their technological sophistication from various perspectives.
Beyond smartphones and tablet PCs that we carry around in our hands, many wearable devices such as glasses, necklaces, and wristwatches are now available on the market. It has been several years since the media began reporting that the era of wearable devices was just around the corner. However, even if we look around us, it is not easy to find people who actually use wearable devices. Even smartwatches, which are considered to be the most popular item, are still only used by early adopters. Portable digital devices emphasize portability, so it is not surprising that they will develop in the direction of wearables, which are more convenient to carry around. Accordingly, the industry continues to invest heavily in new products, but why has the response been lukewarm?
It could be that wearable devices do not offer many useful functions. Functions such as telling you how much you have walked or run today, or what your heart rate is, are not enough to satisfy many people. However, recently, there are many wearable devices with various attractive functions, such as the ability to make phone calls and take photos. So, is it because wearable devices are too expensive that they are not becoming a part of our daily lives? Of course, when you already have a smartphone and a tablet PC, it is a bit of a burden to spend tens of thousands of dollars on another device. However, considering that smartphones are not cheap, yet almost everyone has one, it seems that price is not a decisive factor in the sluggish sales of wearable devices. Looking around, it is difficult to find people who want wearable devices but cannot buy them because they are expensive. In most cases, people are simply not interested in wearable devices themselves.
The most convincing reason for this is that wearable devices are, literally, something you wear, which means they are directly related to fashion. Fashion accessories such as glasses and wristwatches are items that greatly reflect personal taste, and even if they have some useful functions, they do not necessarily appeal to everyone. However, the latest smartwatches on the market are considered to be on par with most fashion items in terms of design. Ultimately, design is not a fatal flaw for wearable devices.
However, the true value of wearable devices is not limited to fashion or a few functions. Wearable devices have the potential to fundamentally change our daily lives and offer new lifestyles. For example, advances in wearable devices in the healthcare field can revolutionize the way we manage our health. They enable real-time monitoring of physical condition and provide important data for disease prevention and management, making personalized medical services possible. In addition, wearable devices combined with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can provide new experiences and efficiency in various fields such as education, entertainment, and work. As such, wearable devices can go beyond mere convenience to become innovative tools that change our way of life.
So, what answers can we find by looking at the development and changes of smartphones and tablet PCs, which are currently enjoying their heyday? In fact, Apple was not the first to create a smartphone, but despite being a latecomer, Apple led the explosive popularization of smartphones with the release of the iPhone. Tablet PCs also entered their golden age with the release of Apple’s iPad. Behind Apple’s success was Steve Jobs, a leader recognized by everyone. The success of Apple products is due to their excellence, but Steve Jobs’ charisma also played a major role. His keynotes, delivered in jeans rather than a suit, were his trademark and excited people around the world. Many people analyzed and imitated his presentations and rhetoric.
Even though they tried to create products like the Apple iPhone, a strange phenomenon occurred where they became more focused on catching up with Steve Jobs. As can be seen from the stories heard here and there and interviews with acquaintances, Steve Jobs had strong convictions and persistence regarding specific product features and policies, and this was a major factor in the success of his products.
For example, he actively adopted multi-touch, which was technically very difficult at the time, and the QWERTY keyboard, which other competitors avoided. The reason why this was possible was Steve Jobs’ ability. According to interviews with Apple employees, there were many cases where Steve Jobs’ strong will realized things that seemed impossible at the time. In other words, Apple and Steve Jobs were synonymous.
People bought Apple products, but at the same time, they were buying Steve Jobs. In order for a product to be loved by the masses, the product itself is important, but isn’t it also necessary to have a leading figure like this? When you were a child, did you ever try to imitate the clothes or behavior of a friend who was cooler or smarter than you? The clothes may have looked good, but the bigger reason was probably because you liked that friend.
The fashion market is similar in that famous designers set trends, which are then adopted by celebrities, becoming fashionable. In the same way, the industry needs stars who can lead the way. Advertising to promote products and increase sales often reflects this. Even without realizing it, the public is more impressed by advertisements featuring popular models than those explaining features and benefits. Interestingly, however, this alone is not enough in the technology field, especially when it comes to smart devices. People want to see progressive and leading models that can show them a technologically better future. Of course, when purchasing a product, they are not exactly aware of what made them choose that particular product.
When considering whether there is such a figure in the wearable device market following smartphones and tablets, unfortunately, there is no true pioneer in this field who is as familiar to the public as Steve Jobs. Numerous wearable products are hitting the market with great features and beautiful designs, but there is no leader who can spark a wave of interest and help people make final decisions by presenting a future that they unconsciously desire.
It seems that no one has yet emerged to follow in the footsteps of the late Steve Jobs. However, there are several candidates being discussed, and someone will surely take that place and become a leader who will guide us into the future. That person will not only have powerful products, but also the charm to capture our eyes, ears, and hearts. We look forward to the birth of a new hero who will usher in the era of true wearables.
