Let's take a step back and look at some recent product announcements. Are they just fad, truly fashion and do they have space in our daily lives.
Wearables are selling like ice-cream on a hot day
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100+ million wearables are estimated to be sold in 2016, and doubling by 2020 - according to IDC.
Wearables like smart watches have only been taken up by brand-centric consumers. Brands are now fighting to ensure their products end-up in our Christmas wish-lists.
Technology giants are pushing the envelope to innovate. Pivoting from utility to design in an attempt to integrate with us to appeal to the mass-market. Connected accessories will soon become the new household 'toaster'.
Snapchat's Spectacles
Earlier this year Snapchat launched first hardware product Spectacles. A pair of unisex spectacles their CEO Evan Spiegel first coined a 'toy'.
“It’s about us figuring out if it fits into people’s lives and seeing how they like it.” - Spiegel
Taking the road of human connection (think the movie Her), they’re not trying to be a utility to improve our lives but one that they hope becomes a necessity. Have they found the magic balance between technology and simplicity?
Fitbit Flex 2
Founded in 2007 almost 10 years ago, Fitbit has revolutionised the wearables market as one of the initial catalysts with their activity trackers. They recently launched the Flex 2 starting at $99 US and designer fashion editions launch later this year.
Fitbit Flex 2 Bangle and Pendant Accessories
But amongst all the shiny exterior Fitbit’s share price has recently tanked 29 percent amongst fears of low holiday sales. Is the new accessories a move away from the one-size fits all approach?
Flip side of the coin
With all this technology moving at such a fast pace, whats next? Traditional jewellers and watch makers have always been somewhat reserved about wearables as they try to become more ‘luxury’. To combat this fatigue, brands are partnering. Michael Kors has teamed up with major watch maker Fossil.
In all fairness with the explosion of wearable technology it’s still within its infancy, however this won’t stop the number of products trying to dazzle us.
“We don’t like to limit ourselves... we like to wear different things, have a collection and match accessories to our mood and the day ahead” - Lauren Batten (Handmade Jeweler)
Swarovski with Misfit, and Apple with Hèrmes we will see more fusions of jewelry and technology. Slowly merging into our every day lives, becoming more integrated and one day becoming a household norm.