According to a market research institute, Strategy Analytics, the global shipment of smartwatches for Q1 2016 was 4.1 million units, which was an increase from Q1 2015 (1.3 million) but a 50 percent decrease from Q4 2015 (8.1 million units). (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, May 25 (Korea Bizwire) – Criticism of smartwatches is mounting as they continue to fail to overcome drawbacks such as short battery capacity and limited compatibility. Smartwatches still remain supplementary devices to complement smartphones.
According to the KISDI’s (Korea Information Society Development Institute) report, ‘Changes in the Smartwatch Market, its Trends and Future’, the market for smartwatches has slowed this year, more so than anticipated. The report also noted that manufacturers are unable to overcome existing drawbacks, and with delayed new product releases, they are having difficulties creating new demand.
According to a market research institute, Strategy Analytics, the global shipment of smartwatches for Q1 2016 was 4.1 million units, which was an increase from Q1 2015 (1.3 million) but a 50 percent decrease from Q4 2015 (8.1 million units).
Apple’s shipment decline contributed to the downswing. Shipments for the Apple Watch had remained in the 4 to 5 million range since the device’s release in Q2 2015, but fell to 2.2 million units in Q1 2016.
“Although the slowed growth for Q1 is largely attributable to Apple and Samsung’s delayed product releases, slowed growth in consumer demand played a part,” said a KISDI official. “And even though smartwatches are replacing a portion of the traditional watch market, they still have limited functionality as supplementary equipment to smartphones.”
He also added, “in order to further popularize the public use of smartwatches, manufacturers must overcome their limitations in battery capacity, serviceable apps, and compatibility between devices.”
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
