Impediments to Market Growth
In addition to the technical limitations noted previously, there are other risk factors that could impede the growth and acceptance of this technology. Although the cost is dropping, there is still a high cost to benefit ratio. It is considered to be a small market niche that is below the one- percent threshold of interest in manufacturing. (Gartner Group Analyst, Linden, A., Personal Conversation, 1999, July 19) Another concern is the social acceptance of the technology. It is not yet fashionable to be seen wearing this somewhat cumbersome piece of equipment. Human factors? issues must be adequately addressed before this technology will be likely to reach wide acceptance. (Gartner Group Analyst, Fenn, J., Personal Conversation, 1999, July 27)
Dominant Users
The Gartner Group believes that "the early applications for wearable computing will be primarily industrial. By 2002, wearable computers will begin to appear for a more general audience, mainly focused on communications and personal information management (i.e., evolution of display phones, pagers and PDAs). Continuing research will be required to determine the appropriate applications, input/output modalities and privacy implications for these wearable systems." (Gartner Group Research Note, 1997.) |
