Communications of the ACM
How Wearable Tech Will Fuel the Internet of Things
A new study has found that 18 percent of the U.S. and U.K. populations use wearable technologies.
Credit: V2.nl
Wearable technologies are gaining popularity among consumers and garnering the attention of various companies and public-sector organizations, and these tools are expected to play an integral role in the Internet of things.
Wearable technologies are in use by 18 percent of the population in the United States and United Kingdom, according to a new Rackspace study. Most wearable technology users, including 82 percent of Americans and 71 percent of Brits, say the devices are improving their lives.
"The rich data created by wearable tech will drive the rise of the 'human cloud' of personal data," says Chris Brauer of Goldsmiths, University of London. "With this comes countless opportunities to tap into this data; whether it's connecting with third parties to provide more tailored and personalized services or working closer with health care institutions to get a better understanding of their patients."
In addition, Brauer says the public sector will use wearable technology to manage public health and smart city programs.
Consumers reported various benefits to wearable technology, with 61 percent feeling more informed, 37 percent reporting improved career advancement, and 61 percent noting personal efficiency gains, according to Rackspace.
However, privacy concerns remain an obstacle to adoption, with 51 percent of Americans and Brits citing worries about privacy and two-thirds saying wearable devices should be regulated in some form.
From InfoWorld
View Full Article
Abstracts Copyright © 2013 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
No entries found