National Wearables Survey Reveals Accelerating Convergence of Consumer Wearables and Personal Health & Medical Devices

RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A new national survey released today on wearables revealed that actionable, accurate health and medical insights from wearables will be increasingly important to the success of the industry and 63% of respondents have owned a wearable device at some point, up from 42% in 2016. The online survey polled 826 consumers from a wide range of U.S. consumers on their experiences and preferences around wearables. The 2018 survey is a follow-up from the same survey conducted by Valencell in 2016.

Among those surveyed, 65% of wearables buyers purchased the devices to monitor general health, track heart rate, to manage a current health condition or prevent future health issues. In addition, 67% of wearable owners believe that their device has increased awareness and positively impacted their health and activity. Many users found heart rate monitoring and step counting most useful but would like to move beyond the current wearable capabilities and utilize additional health metrics like blood pressure monitoring, atrial fibrillation monitoring, sleep and stress monitoring, pain management, and monitoring of cardiac abnormalities.

"Consumers are demanding more from their wearables and hearables than ever. These survey results are indicative of the convergence Valencell has seen happening between the consumer wearables and health and medical device sectors," said Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, President and Co-Founder of Valencell. "It is clear people want wearables that help them improve their health or medical condition, not just improve their fitness or performance."

Key findings of the survey are below. A summary of the survey data and charts can also be found on Valencell's blog here.

Consumers Believe in Wearables Positive Impact on Their Health (and they want more!)

• More than two-thirds of consumers who own wearables (67%) believe the device has had a positive impact on their health.
• Heart rate tracking and step counting were considered the most useful wearable functionality, but there is a clear desire for further health and medical monitoring. When wearable owners were asked what condition they would like monitor in addition to what they are doing now:
• 55% would like to monitor blood pressure, up from 46% in 2016
• 50% would like to monitor stress, down from 55% in 2016
• 49% would like to monitor heart health
• 33% would like to monitor blood sugar levels
• Among survey respondents who have never owned a wearable device, 69% would consider using a wearable if it provided significant information on their health, such as blood pressure, stress, and heart health.

Accuracy Remains Top Consumer Priority

• 93% of survey respondents ranked device accuracy as important or very important, followed by comfort (90%) and ease of use (83%). This prioritization from consumers is consistent with the 2016 survey findings.
• 76% of survey respondents say they trust the accuracy of the data their wearable provides.
• Among survey respondents who have never owned a wearable device, 55% said they would consider using one if they trusted the accuracy of the device.

Significant Increase in Wearable Ownership, Shift Toward More Functional Devices

• Over 60% of respondents own or have owned a wearable device. Smartwatches increased in popularity, 53% ownership in 2018 compared to 32% in 2016, while wristbands declined, dropping from 52% ownership in 2016 to 45% ownership in 2018.
• Of those who have not owned a wearable device, 60% indicated that if they were to buy a new wearable, they would select a smartwatch. Accuracy, battery life and comfort topped list of desired features for those who have never owned a wearable device.

Consumers are Using Wearables Longer and Getting More Value

As a sign of the increasing value wearables are providing, wearable owners are using their devices for longer periods of time and fewer users are abandoning their devices.

• 72% of wearables users have owned and used their device for a year or more
• When asked what they like most about their wearable device:
• 59% like getting data and checking their progress
• 25% like that their wearable has improved their performance
• 26% like the data's accuracy
• 26% like that their wearable helps them stay in shape
• 15% like the improvements in their sleep and stress
• Only 32% of wearable owners surveyed have discontinued use of their device compared to a 37% abandonment rate in 2016.
• When users were asked why they discontinued the use of their wearable devices:
• 28% said It was too much of a hassle to continually recharge
• 25% said it was uncomfortable to wear
• 20% said It was not accurate enough (didn't trust the readings)
• 12% said it did not impact their health

About the Survey

The 2018 "The State of Wearables Today" Survey was conducted by Valencell from 10/1/2018-11/21/2018. The online survey polled 826 U.S consumers, ages 18-65, on their knowledge and preferences around wearable technology devices.

About Valencell
Valencell produces the most accurate wearable biometric sensor systems in the world and provides this patent-protected technology to consumer electronics manufacturers, mobile device and accessory makers, medical device makers, sports and fitness brands and gaming companies for integration into their products. Protected by more than 70 granted patents and more than 100 patents pending, Valencell's technology can be used in wearables and hearables for virtually anyone, anywhere, doing anything. Their technology is scalable to multiple form-factors such as earbuds, smartwatches, armbands and wrist devices and is currently integrated into more biometric wearable devices than any other technology provider in the world.

Media Contact:
Ryan Kraudel
VP, Marketing
Valencell, Inc.
kraudel(at)valencell(dot)com

SOURCE Valencell

Related Links

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