First popularised by Japanese manufacturer Seiko, smartwatches have been around for approximately 3 decades now. The early versions of these allowed the wearer/user to perform basic calculations, view feed data and see different time zones.  The succeeding generation had GPS incorporated and a range of other wireless sensor features, including a compass, camera, thermometer, barometer, altimeter, and accelerometer. Certain combinations of these features were developed, to attract a particular type of user/consumer.

Now it seems to have reached the point, however, where these devices are running out of steam when it comes to possessing features to attract new consumers. The reason for this is the constant stream of new smart portable devices on the market, particularly smartphones and tablets. Nowadays the technological know-how is available to miniaturise a whole panoply of electronic gadgets, which means that watch manufacturers lean towards converting personal watches into wearable computer devices.

There are several features on smartphones which can be converted for compatibility with the next wave of personal tech gadgets.  Manufacturers such as Pebble  and WIMM One (now affiliated with Google) have made their name by launching certain devices which can communicate with a user’s smartphone by virtue of the Bluetooth option. These devices advertise such favourable features as notifying the user of an incoming call and displaying SMS from the watch screen.

The global market for these devices has become so highly competitive that firms such as MetaWatch have delayed the launch of their latest design, in order to perfect it and ensure a competitive as possible advantage over their rivals. They are moving beyond the plastic body and offering a design with a  dual-hinge leather strap. Standard features for these types of interactive devices now are: receiving and rejecting calls, gesture control features, receiving notifications in real time, and sending SMS. Competitive pricing also plays a major part in the drive for manufacturers to invent more and more novel features for these timepieces, in a market where the consumer can expect to pay $150-300 for an interactive smartwatch.

It can easily be predicted, therefore, that the race by the technology firms to commercialize such gadgets with unique features will result in mass sales of millions, and will mean that these watches should go the same way as smartphones.  That is to say, they should become a supplementary wireless option for the tech-savvy consumers, who are looking for  convenience and portability in their personal tech.

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