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New Zealand says no to smart watches
IDC Research says New Zealand smart watch adoption rates are less than half the worldwide average.
Just three percent of people in New Zealand own a smart watch. The number hasn’t changed in the last year. It is the same percentage as Japan.
In a survey of consumers in 26 countries, IDC found the average smart watch adoption rate was eight percent.
When it comes to fitness wearables, New Zealand bats a little above average. In 2016 the adoption rate climbed from nine percent to 11 percent.
The numbers are unlikely to get better. IDC says only 13 percent of New Zealand consumers expect to buy a wearable in the future. This is already having an effect on the number of devices shipped here.
As IDC notes, the figures show New Zealanders are pragmatic about buying technology. We didn’t get caught up in the hype behind wearable devices.
This makes sense. Fitness wearables have clear benefits and tend to be inexpensive. Smart watches are often costly and, fitness applications aside, don’t do much to make people more productive or to increase the quality of life.
When Apple first sold its Watch, the emphasis was on its style and an ability to communicate. Fitness was an afterthought.
Almost no-one in New Zealand picked the Apple as a fashion statement. It mainly went to geeks and technology types. Most say they value the notifications they get from the Watch more than anything else.
But fitness comes a close second. It became the main justification to buy an Apple Watch.
Smart Watch sales have disappointed the companies making them. In July IDC reported year-on-year sales were down 32 percent.
Apple is the top brand. It sold 1.6 million Watches in the year, but it saw a 55 percent fall in sales.
New Zealand says no to smart watches was first posted at billbennett.co.nz
Bill Bennett
Freelance journalist.
Auckland-based Bill Bennett writes technology and business stories that are directly relevant to New Zealand readers.
His emphasis is on telecommunications, but he also covers other aspects of technology and business. You can find his features in the New Zealand Herald and hear him regularly on RNZ Nine to Noon and the NZ Tech Podcast.
Bennett's The Download Weekly newsletter is published every Friday. You can sign up for it here.
If you want to support his work, you can make a donation to his PressPatron account.
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