As the adoption of wearable health monitors and smart devices continues to rise, the idea of "guardian angels" that track users' activities and health has become more mainstream. According to market research firm CCSInsight, sales in the wearable category surged sixfold between 2014 and 2015, with the agency forecasting continued growth at a similar pace for the next three years. By 2018, sales are expected to surpass 170 million units, as illustrated in the graph below.
Sensing, Linking, and Power Management
What's driving the rapid growth of advanced smart SoCs? Part of it is the rising health consciousness among consumers, but long-term success will depend on how effectively these devices can be monetized. Currently, the data collected by wearables has reached a quality level that medical professionals can use, though convenience remains a key factor even if it’s not always highlighted. The real value of these devices is still being realized, and ongoing innovations in sensors, connectivity, and ultra-low-power operation continue to shape the future of wearables.
Wearable devices are now the fastest-growing segment within the Internet of Things (IoT) market. As the industry evolves, devices are becoming more sophisticated, integrating multiple sensors to offer richer insights into user behavior.
The industry generally believes the wearable market is still in its early stages, with “third-generation†devices expected to attract a broader audience. These smarter devices can adapt based on location, activity, or environmental conditions. More powerful sensors mean more accurate and useful data, which is crucial for advancing the functionality of wearables.
Initially, wearables relied on motion sensors like 3D accelerometers. Now, they incorporate pressure sensors, gyroscopes, and other components to detect specific activities—such as hiking, running, cycling, or swimming. This trend is expanding further, with temperature sensors, humidity detectors, and advanced heart rate monitors becoming more common, offering detailed tracking across a wider range of activities.
In the near future, we can expect more biosensors integrated into wearables, enabling continuous monitoring of various physiological parameters throughout the day. Another exciting development could involve audio and visual sensors, allowing devices to better interpret environmental changes. For instance, a microphone might detect background noise during a commute and switch to a drowsiness-monitoring mode, while ambient light levels could trigger sleep mode adjustments.
This kind of continuous monitoring brings up an important challenge: power consumption. Most market data show that battery life is a major factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Wearables must operate continuously, so their battery life needs to meet or exceed user expectations. This means third-generation devices must support multi-day operation without frequent charging.
To address this, manufacturers are exploring innovative solutions like energy harvesting and wireless charging. Energy harvesting technologies, such as solar panels, thermoelectric generators, and vibration-based systems, can generate small but usable amounts of power. Wireless charging, on the other hand, captures energy from ambient or directional radio waves and converts it into electricity. Both areas are advancing rapidly and may become foundational to the wearable market in the future.
For now, however, rechargeable batteries remain the most practical solution. Despite the need for regular charging, they provide the necessary energy density for small devices that rely on wireless connectivity. Loosely coupled wireless charging technology also offers convenience, allowing users to charge their devices without removing them.
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