Despite the fact that there are a number of fitness tracking apps for smartphones, many people still want a device dedicated just to their exercise routines.
Thu, Jan 02 2014 at 3:26 PM
A general view of the Nike FuelBand SE during the NikeFuel Forum at Spring Studios on Oct. 15, 2013. (Photo: Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
The rise in consumer interest is due to the devices' ability to be paired with a smartphone, and device makers' creation of algorithms to analyze personal data and provide users with insights into their fitness, Walker said.
Makers of activity trackers have also worked to make the look and feel of these devices appealing, Walker said.
Some researchers have predicted that smartphone applications will kill the market for activity-tracker devices, but a survey by Walker and his colleagues suggests otherwise. Among smartphone users who had a fitness app on their phone and exercised at least 10 minutes per week, a high percentage were interested in acquiring a device dedicated to fitness monitoring, Walker said.
The life expectancy for many activity trackers is about two to three years, Walker said, meaning that there is plenty of opportunity for new players to enter the market in the coming years.
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References
- ^ Fitness (www.mnn.com)
- ^ Nike+ Fuelband (www.livescience.com)
- ^ heart-rate monitors (www.livescience.com)
- ^ activity trackers (www.livescience.com)
- ^ Fitbit (www.livescience.com)
- ^ Jawbone (www.livescience.com)
- ^ Withings (www.livescience.com)
- ^ This story (www.livescience.com)
- ^ LiveScience (www.livescience.com)
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