Survey says: Wearables use growing, accuracy top priority

RALEIGH — More than half of 2918 consumers (63%) have owned a wearable device of some sort, up from 42 % in 2016. according to a national survey released today by Raleligh-based Valencell

The online survey polled a wide range of 826 U.S. consumers on their experiences and preferences around wearables.

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. Most, 67% believe that their device has increased awareness and positively impacted their health and activity.

WRAL TechWire editor Rick Smith has written about how his own wearable device has helped him monitor his exercise and recover from illness.

Many survey users found heart rate monitoring and step counting most useful but would like to move beyond the current wearable capabilities and utilize additional metrics such as blood pressure monitoring, atrial fibrillation monitoring, sleep and stress monitoring, pain management, and monitoring of cardiac abnormalities.

Consumers want more

“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 in a statement.

“It is clear people want wearables that help them improve their health or medical condition, not just improve their fitness or performance.”

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.

Valencell produces wearable biometric sensor systems and provides its 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.

Key findings of the survey:

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.

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.

Overall, the survey aligns with the wearables market data Gartner put out today showing the wearables market more than doubling by 2022 to 453 million units per year.