Dive Brief:
- While employers and healthcare companies have shown a growing interest in biosensing wearable devices, consumer uptake is low, according to a report by Rock Health.
- These devices, which included ingestible pills, watches, wristbands and smart clothing, are a combination of biosensors and wearable devices.
- But they remain troublesome for consumers: According to a survey mentioned in the report, less than 50% of those with a biosensing wearable were still using it after 24 months, citing problems with reliability, convenience and functionality.
Dive Insight:
Despite limited consumer interest, analysts project that the market for these devices will eventually be large. For example, a January 2013 report predicted sales would reach $5.8 billion by 2018. And other reports see an even brighter future. For example, a pair of August 2013 reports estimated $12.6 billion and $19 billion in sales by 2018. However, devices will have to have more specific functions and better integration with established healthcare services and providers to be truly useful, supporting options like providing early diagnosis and remote monitoring, and supporting telehealth services. This is the market opportunity that Apple's HealthKit and now Google Fit are moving on.