Bluetooth Special Interest Group survey finds that UK consumers recognise wireless connectivity has the potential to simplify their lives, with 72% of Brits expect to own a wireless accessory by 2016
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) are reporting that a survey they commissioned shows that 60% of Brits currently own a wireless connected accessory, including keyboards, health and fitness monitors and smart home devices, and that this figure will rise to 72% by 2016.
The SIG claim that these findings are in agreement with industry experts surveyed at this year’s Bluetooth World. Both predict that wearable technology devices, such as smart watches, smart eyewear and fitness monitors, will see the biggest growth in consumer demand of all wireless devices in the next year. This was followed closely by smart home devices, including smart light bulbs and temperature sensors. With over half (53%) of those surveyed saying they would like to be able to control appliances in their home directly from their smartphone in the future, smart home solutions look set to see significant growth in the next few years.
As the Internet of Things continues to mature wireless technology will become increasingly ubiquitous with 73% of consumers anticipating that the amount of things they do and control wirelessly will increase in the next five years. For those looking to invest in a device the most important factors when considering which one to buy* are the device being simple to use (54%), it connecting easily and quickly with a smartphone or PC without repeatedly having to reconnect (44%) and delivering information that’s truly useful (38%).
“It’s clear that consumers are seeing the benefit that wireless accessories of all types can bring them, with over half (58%) stating that connected devices could make the things they do every day quicker and easier,” said Suke Jawanda, Bluetooth SIG CMO. “But they also want devices that work seamlessly with their smartphones and tablets, are easy to use and provide them with the data they want. Bluetooth® Smart technology is built into practically every smartphone, tablet and PC on the market which means enabled accessories ‘just work’ with the devices they already own. And by connecting devices and mobile applications it can deliver information that’s truly useful. The technology also offers a simple pairing process and will automatically reconnect – so users looking to buy a wireless accessory know if its Bluetooth Smart enabled they’ll get a simple user experience.”