Over a third of households may own a wearable next year

35 percent of households may own a wearable by this time next year, as people start to see the value in a wearable that can track fitness and give detailed analysis on your workouts.

That’s a 15 percent gain on current wearable ownership, according to the Consumer Technology Association. In a study published this week, CTA revealed a large interest in fitness trackers and other related wearables, but less of an interest in smartwatches.

Only eight percent of households own a smartwatch currently and that figure is set to reach 16 percent by next year. That’s still improvement, but the cost of a smartwatch for its limited additional features seems to be pushing consumers to fitness trackers and other cheaper wearables.

But it’s not just fitness wearables

The report also mentions smart home devices, like thermostats, lighting controls, and motion sensors becoming more popular in the United States, with 15 percent of households owning at least one device.

Connected devices like smart TVs, speakers, and wireless headphones are also easing consumers into the smart home process of connecting devices through Bluetooth and the internet. CTA believes that this is a bridge for households to move to a smart home system, once they understand the capabilities of a connected home.

Smartphones continue to rule the roost when it comes to gadgets and have become hub devices for a smart home system. Some expect to see the smartphone fade away in ten years, but for now it is a prime device that is required if you want a smart home.

As we move forward in the wearable market, it might be even harder for smartwatches to appeal to consumers. Xmetrics CEO expects to see more focused wearables that offer one purpose, and does not see the additional smartwatch functionality as worthwhile.