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Mintel research reveals key facts about wrist-worn wearables in the UK

Over three million wrist-worn wearable devices such as fitness bands and smartwatches are estimated to have been sold in the UK in 2015, new research from Mintel has revealed.

The latest figure is up 118 per cent compared to 2014, when 1.4 million were sold.

While smartwatch sales are expected to soar in 2016, according to the market research specialist, it was the fitness band that was the most purchased wearable last year, outstripping sales of smartwatches by almost two to one.

Other research findings include:

• Nine per cent of Brits say they plan to buy or upgrade to a new fitness band within the next 12 months, compared to eight per cent who say the same of smartwatches. 40 per cent of consumers planning on doing so already own a wrist-worn wearable device.

• When purchasing a new piece of wearable technology, appearance and design is the third most important feature, with 21 per cent picking this attribute behind battery life (39 per cent) and waterproof protection (22 per cent). Appearance and design tops more functional features such as the accuracy and reliability of the measurements the device tracks and compatibility with other devices.

• 14 per cent of Brits own a piece of wearable technology, with seven per cent owning a fitness band and three per cent a smartwatch.

• Consumers aged 16-34 show the strongest interest in wearable technology, with 13 per cent of Brits in this age range already owning a fitness band.

• Despite the growing popularity of wearable devices, there are common concerns shared about the technology. 59 per cent of consumers say they would worry about the security of their personal data if it was stored on a wearable device, while 51 per cent say they don’t see how wearable devices could add value to their daily route. 39 per cent say wearable technology represents an invasion of one’s privacy.

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