If your product doesn't reach your customer on a daily basis via smartwatches (google glasses), fitness trackers, or other smart devices, it is likely that they will go to your competitor rather than wait. Wearable technology apps are a must.
This article will answer all of your questions about the development of wearable apps, including how much it costs to create a wearable application and how to create your first wearable application.
Let's start by having a quick look at the current market position of wearable technologies and apps in a broad range.
Wearable App Development Market Overview
- Already, the number of wearable connected devices has surpassed 1 billion.
- According to recent surveys, it is estimated that the market for wearable technologies will reach 265.4 billion dollars by 2026. This growth rate will be 18% between 2021-2026.
- The total number of wearable devices is expected to exceed 344 million by 2022 and 650 million in 2027.
- According to estimates, the 4G smartwatch will dominate in terms of connectivity in 2022 with a penetration of 5%, while the 5G network will debut in 2023 with a very low penetration of 0.3%.
According to these figures, the wearable application development market is expected to grow the fastest for enterprise and industrial applications.
Wearable devices are a great way to create a successful experience for your customers, regardless of whether you're entering the digital world for the first or expanding your existing digital presence.
Let's now talk about the differences between mobile device and wearable app development.
Wearable Technology: Introduction
Wearable technology has become a popular topic among entrepreneurs, consumers, and health experts. CCS Insight predicts that the wearable market will reach $50 billion by 2022.
What exactly is wearable technology? Wearable tech is a term that has become popular in the industry. It offers a variety of functions, from medical monitoring to action tracking. Wearable technologies include the Fitbit tracker from Apple, the Tambour Horizon smartwatch by Louis Vuitton, and Sano's sugar tracking patch. Wearable technology is also attracting new sellers and merchandise, including fashion icons like Fossil, their sub-brands, and emerging businesses, such as BBK, Li-Ning, and Li-Ning. These companies are tapping into specific market segments of the wearables industry. Fossil is a fashion/luxury apparatus. BBK is a child-monitoring device. Li-Ning sells step-counting footwear.
My research and that of my colleagues in the United Kingdom have now revealed that shoppers have a difficult time making sense of the wearable avalanche. We are prone to classify new items with tags that we've already used on other products. We stereotype people, so it's very difficult to remove a product from the market once we have placed it in a category. This means we apply the same standards we use to evaluate different members of a class to the new product. The first impression is crucial. In such cases, many customers are at a crossroads. For example, is this device on my wrist a computer, or is it a piece of jewelry? The whole evaluation process may be very different depending on how the customer answers this question. The comparison will be made between the Louis Vuitton Smartwatch and other luxury watches or fitness trackers. There are not many wearables that can win both of these competitions.
Wearable tech devices are a mix of many things, but they all share one thing: they have detectors built into them. These can be found in everyday items like a shoe, hats, necklaces, or even t-shirts. It is easy to see why both footwear and apparel manufacturers, as well as tech companies, are interested in this new hybrid type. Wearable tech accessories are now available from fashion designers like Tory Burch, Swarovski, and others. They integrate with action trackers. For instance, Louis Vuitton's Tambour View is proprietary software that is linked to the Louis Vuitton City Manuals. The opinion will know where you are at the time and suggest the best local pub, restaurant, or store in seven world capitals.
Analysts predict that smart clothes with intelligent agents are the most promising for the wearable technology market. Smart clothes have only just begun to become a significant market. Companies such as Samsung and Google are currently working to develop clothing that is as intelligent as smartphones. Smart clothes have been a huge success because they are fitness-focused. They provide extremely accurate metrics for exercise.
Wearable tech is also beginning to focus on personality. Samsung's wearable tech prototypes include a belt that tells you when you gain weight. A golf shirt that monitors your swings is also available. The tech is there, but the person does not appear to be a technician. Once again, the shopper can find themselves in a confusing situation: "Are you wearing trendy streetwear or gym wear?"
Digital Consumer Tech Survey surveyed individuals in six states for a customer's receptivity towards wearable technology. Over fifty percent (52%) of the people surveyed were interested in purchasing fitness devices to track their physical activity. Smartwatches (46%) and Internet-connected glasses are also on their radar. In a survey conducted in the United States, 25 percent of respondents said they would wear their own detectors on their wrists or attached to their clothing. Some went even further. One-fifth of respondents said they'd embed technology into their clothing, while four percent would wear contact lenses, and three percent would use tattoo detectors on their skin.
The repurposing and repositioning of everyday products is a significant challenge for wearable technology entrepreneurs. Wearables with a single purpose, such as an activity monitoring device, require a different layout and placement than those that serve multiple purposes, like a smartwatch. Fitbit Flex by Tory Burch can be found in the action trackers section of a store or website, or it could be placed amongst other attractive bracelets within the jewelry section. The merchandisers still haven't figured it out.
Although these devices are primarily tech-centric, design is still important to many app users. Wearable technology is no different. They want to be attractive, have a good reputation, and get peer approval. It is important to understand how people categorize wearable technologies. Is the computer-enhanced pendant primarily a device that is useful or an accessory that provides some sort of information about its wearer? If the necklace is visible, people will probably consider it a piece of jewelry first and then as technology.
A fashionable look may also make people more flexible if the technology does not work as expected. In a 2016 IDC study, Americans who planned to buy a wearable in the next six months said retailers needed to focus more on aesthetics than just technical capabilities. One analyst stated that sellers "... have not yet cracked the code for creating something fashionable and functional. Companies need to focus on the aesthetics and attributes of their products.
Wearable Technology products are here to stay - at least until chip improvements usher in an era of romantic computing. It's not just about the latest technologies. Designers and marketers must be aware that shoppers don't want to carry a computer around on their wrists, torsos, or even in congestion. At the end of the day, what matters is how you look.
Wearable Apps and devices on Demand
Wearable app development, which is based on IoT tech, is engaging and user-centric for businesses that are aiming to personalize the potential customer experience. Every year, new wearable app trends emerge to help shape technological evolution in various ways. They become more effective and sophisticated as they develop.
Here is a list of popular wearable devices and apps that never go out of style or usage.
Smartwatches
Statista predicts that smartwatches will be the most popular wearable devices by 2025, with over 253 million expected. This wearable app allows users to take advantage of several features, including pedometers and notifications.
Smartwatches have sensor-related functions that improve the user's experience. They also make their associated apps innovative and feature-rich. Apple Watch is a good example of iOS wearable app development.
Smartwatches:
- Heart rate monitor
- Calorie and Activity Tracker
- SpO2 Monitoring
- App ECG and ECG function
Smart Eyewear
Smart glasses, or eyewear, are the next major advancement in wearable technology. They integrate data with the objects that the user sees.
Smart glasses can collect data from sensors, both internal and external, and also wireless technologies like Bluetooth, GPS, and WiFi.
A renowned example of this is cisin's wearable voice command application "Verb," which allows users to leverage social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook by using Bluetooth glasses.
Smart eyewear features:
- Information assessing
- Visual tracking
- Data Storage and Communication
Fitness bands
Fitbits, also known as fitness bands, are ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want to track their daily activities. Wearable apps collect all data and convert it into sleep quality, daily routines, and more.
Fitbits have a wearable app platform that allows users to set goals, monitor health, connect with friends, and modify the device interface.
Fitbit features:
- Health Metric
- Breathing rate
- Oxygen saturation and more
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Head-mounted display
Wearable app development is the basis for AR/VR glasses. They can be used for monitoring and providing information to users about the virtual ecosystem.
Also, you might want to check out the wearables and AR/VR trend predictions for 2019.
Other wearable devices and apps, like implantable clothing and smart clothing, are less common.
The healthcare industry is a major player in wearable apps. Patients can track their glucose levels with glucose monitors, for example. Diagnostic trackers can be used to detect muscle activity, body temperatures, chronic diseases, and more.
Apps and use cases for custom wearable devices are not limited to the healthcare industry. See what other industries can benefit from app development for wearables.
The Most Promising Industries for Wearable Apps and Devices
Wearable devices and apps have been integrated into different industrial app scenarios that shape enterprise app development.
View the industries that are maximizing the benefits of wearables and app development.
Wearable technology is a growing trend in many industries.
Gaming
Wearables that enhance AI have increased user engagement.
Since the release of VR devices, AI-powered gaming has become more popular. Wearable devices and gaming often work in tandem to give the audience an AI-driven experience.
Fitness
Wearable AI devices that are mounted on the body can provide users with complete fitness information using voice assistants or real-time insights.
Biosensors are also included in Bluetooth devices with AI capabilities, such as fitness trackers. These biosensors can detect motion, touch, proximity, elevation, and heart rate.
GoogleFit Strava Nike+ and other popular examples of wearable device apps include GoogleFit.
Education
Virtual learning has been greatly improved by AR/VR, wearables, and other technologies. Wearables such as Google Glass provide detailed information about objects, along with data and other important information. Wearables are also extremely useful for studying small molecules and exploring the virtual dimensions of research.
Retail & Fintech
Wearable apps that support wearable apparel, such as hand gloves, jackets, and so on, are now synced up with AI-driven apparel, made specifically to ensure the safety of users or wearers.
Fintech and the insurance industry also heavily utilize wearable app development, as smartwatches now support NFC sensors for contactless payment.
Apple Pay and Google Pay, for example, are the two most popular payment applications based on wearable app development.
Healthcare
Wearable technology apps in healthcare allow patients to monitor their health at home and take preventative measures.
Healthcare uses wearable devices and apps in the form of glucose monitors (smart bands), diagnostic chips, etc.
Wearable App Development Solutions are used by digital businesses to support social media, navigation, and mapping, as well as other applications.
Wearable AI: Implementation in the digital world is another useful resource.
Wearable apps can modernize the world.
Let's get straight to it and see how you can start with your wearable business app by planning, designing, and developing.
How to Start planning your Wearable App
Wearable electronics is a fascinating and frustrating technology for beginners. Before you start building your wearable app, there are a few other things to think about.
Planning ideas include brainstorming and deciding on the type of application you would like to create, the components you'd like to use, etc.
Discuss and learn how to plan for a smooth execution.
Brainstorming
You need to have a project in mind, an idea of what you want to achieve, and a plan on how to get there. Start by creating a rough sketch of your app, including what it should do, what it should look like, and what else you want to include.
This is a phase in which you can use your imagination to place ideas. For example, you could make a list with the features required to build a wearable application or a list with the users who use it the most.
Read More: Tips For Successful Wearable App Development
Collecting Data
Wearable app devices use user data to improve the functioning of their device and to provide accurate information. In order to provide value for users of wearable devices, the data collected by app sensors must be contextualized. The collected data may be inaccurate or distorted if the context is not understood.
To get precise data, it is important to focus on the development of app sensors for Android wearable apps, smartwatches, and other devices.
Project Planning Checklist
Create a list of questions to ask yourself as you declare the details of your project. Consider adding additional questions, such as whether the circuit will be transparent or not. Who will be the end user? What functionalities should be included for them, etc?
Asking questions will give you a better idea of the project, its development process, and the type of device to be created.
If the app is for iOS or Android, for example, smartwatches on iOS, android smartwatches, wearable web applications, etc.
After you have completed your checklist, your only remaining question is, "how do you design and develop your wearable application"?
Factors to Consider When Developing a Wearable Application
You need to refine the sketch to make it easier to understand and follow. During this process, there will be several chances to identify any design problems.
You can then make any necessary changes to the app before you start the development process. The final sketch is also a guide to ensure that all features are finalized when building a wearable application.
App complexity
The computing power and machine of a smartphone, for example, have been designed in order to meet high-speed specialized demands. A wearable is designed to handle direct connections, regardless of its form. It does not have to be able to meet a lot of computational needs.
When creating a mobile application for a wearable device, you can choose to display certain apps and avoid others based on inherent contrasts.
User Base
Apps will be created differently for wearables and smartphones as the user base differs. Apps are developed for specific demographics, so it is crucial to know who is developing them, how they will be used, and any necessary changes.
The Security of Your Own Home
Wearables and smartphones both collect data. Wearable devices collect data that is very sensitive, such as location, health, preferences, habits, etc. Wearable app developers must take great care to protect the privacy of their users and maintain security when using this information.
The Integration of Technology
Wearable apps have affected brands, consumers, and app developers. Business solutions empower their administration by developing intuitive wearable applications that integrate seamlessly across a range of connected sensors and devices.
Integrating wearable applications with multiple systems allows us to operate various apps with just one touch.
To ensure that integration is successful, the wearable app developer should first determine which data will be needed for the wearable application to function. Then they can use SoCs (systems-on-a-chip) to interface natively with sensors and actuators.
Using APIs, you can seamlessly share data from wearable devices or apps. This image shows the functional integration of wearables in the MCU.
Prototyping
It is essential to have a prototype before you invest time in the development. This will help you understand your ideas and what the design or app feature is for.
It is important to consider how the app interacts with users and presents data. It should be simple and easy to understand. A lot of data can lead to confusion and poor user experience. Prototyping is, therefore, the best way to go before moving on with development and launch.
These devices present a set of unique design challenges. These devices have several limitations, including a smaller screen, less information density, and limited battery life. This is why they need a different approach to design.
How to Design Your Wearable App?
Many options are available (including watches, wristbands, rings, and glasses), and more are on the way. Your app should be designed to fit seamlessly into a wide variety of wearable devices.
This is a detailed look at the design process for developing wearable apps.
Glanceability
Wearable designs will be glanceable. For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to limited interaction information. Fitness trackers, which rely on light to show what is happening, are a great example.
Context
Context is the foundation of any design. It should be used to deliver specific information within the shortest amount of time. You're designing context-aware apps when you create a wearable device. These devices have sensors.
User Interface
It is crucial to integrate the wearable with existing devices. Wearable app development must also take into account other devices and the user interface. A blood pressure monitor app and a heart health app on a smartwatch could be used to collect information/data. However, the review and analysis of that data can be done through a smartphone.
This was just a short introduction to the process of developing wearable apps. To better understand,
Let's conclude our discussion by examining the costs involved in creating your wearable application.
What is the Cost of Developing a Wearable App?
In order to answer the question of how much does it cost to develop a wearable app?
you will need to consider several factors. The cost to develop a wearable device or app can range from $50,000 up to 250,000 and more, depending on the project requirements.
The budget list is based on a number of factors, as we are not estimating a specific app type. Instead, we are estimating the overall cost of developing a wearable application. The final cost for wearable apps is determined by factors such as wearable complex features, wearable tech stack, a company that develops wearable devices, the complexity of the wearable application, etc.
Costs increase with increasing complexity and functionality. Experts recommend hiring a wearable app agency to assist you in overcoming technical challenges and a smoother process.
Wearable Apps: Future Aspects
Wearable technology is being used by several industries. This technology improves customer satisfaction, mobility, and efficiency. It creates immersive customer experiences.
Wearable technology has a wide range of innovations, including Voice Commands and Controlling Gesture Settings, Handheld App displays, Push Notifications, and more. The Internet of Things (IoT) redefines wearable applications in terms of their connectivity.
Statista predicts that the number of wearable devices will reach over one billion worldwide by 2022. The shipment of wearables will also increase by 45%.
Smartwatches are a market leader. It is used daily to track physical activity, GPS location, monitor heart rate, and more. It is a great tool that adds value to the lives of users, and this is why its popularity will not stop any time soon.
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What Can Cisin Do For You In Terms Of Wearable App Development?
Wearable tech is advancing in industries. cisin is a trusted wearable app development company that can help you build solutions to make your business platform independent.
Our team of dedicated wearable app developers will bring your vision to reality through wearable experiences that are seamless and feel natural to users.
Wearable App Development Services:
- Wearable device app development.
- Multi-platform integration.
- Wearable solution design.
- Wearables that are easy to deploy and more.
