Last updated on March 9th, 2015 at 12:37 pm
The wearable technology space might be in its early adopter phase right now, but according to a Cisco System forecast, wireless wearable devices will be responsible for increasing the total amount of global wireless data traffic by 10 times by 2019.
That astronomical figure translates to 292 exabytes, or 65 trillion Instagram photos or six trillion YouTube clips, as Cisco states. One exabyte is a million gigabytes. Cisco says that the data generated from wearable devices will grow by a factor of 18 by 2019 and this data is channeled through smartphones, as these wearable devices can’t be connected to Internet directly. Wearable products like bracelets, smart watches and glasses can be connected to smartphones, usually via Bluetooth.
On a regional basis, data traffic in the Middle East and Africa will increase the most at a compound annual rate of 72 percent, but in terms of raw data traffic, Asia will lead the world and will generate almost 10 exabytes a month by 2019.
Breaking down wearables
Over the past decade, the design and development of wireless wearable technological devices have gained considerable attention of companies. The combination of personal computer (PC), virtual reality (VR) technology and telecommunications have given birth to a new type of ready-to-wear PC devices that are set to become a tool of daily-use in the 21st century. These smaller, smarter and more efficient wearable devices allow users to take pictures, read text messages and emails, respond to voice commands, browse the web and more. There are a slew of new wearable gadgets such as AppleiWatch, Fujitsu’s smart glove, Samsung’s new watch Gear 2 and Gear Neo, Sony smartwatch, and Sony’s new SmartBand that are meant to boost productivity and connectivity.
The inconsistency of data remains the top challenge for wearable technologies today. Mike Pegler, Principal, PwC US technology practice said, “Enterprises must forge partnerships and develop IT and platform alliances to deliver seamless experiences on both the front end and back end of wearable implementations.”
What is the impact of wearable over burgeoning data?
Without a doubt, wearable technological devices will not only stay with us, but become integrated into society and useful in everyday life. The biggest benefit of wearables for business is the data that wearables collect, that can be used as invaluable consumer information by marketing and sales departments. Insurers can use access of these data for high-level analytics and employers to better manage health, wellness and healthcare costs by providers.
So, how do you see wearable technology evolving? Join the conversation by commenting below.
