In a new article for TWICE magazine, Parks Associates director of research Harry Wang outlines the wearables market potential for device OEMs. Fitness and health trackers currently represent the most popular category within the wearables market, he says, but they are also subject to obstacles that can block the growth of adoption.

Most notably, fitness and health wearables face an obstacle common to all fitness devices—they are at the mercy of users’ motivations. The device will be used only for as long as users stay dedicated to their fitness or health regimen. As a result, these devices must offer the right balance of value and ease-of-use to keep the wearer engaged and interested.

Wang provides additional recommendations for device OEMs and others interested in breaking into this highly competitive market. He concludes with a forecast on the global sales of connected digital fitness trackers—22 million units in 2014, representing 52% of all digital fitness tracker unit sales.

Read the full article by clicking here.

Harry Wang leads Parks Associates' digital health research program, which studies health and wellness, accountable care organization, digital health technology, and wearable computing. He will be speaking at and moderating several sessions during the inaugural Connected Health Summit: Engaging Consumers, taking place next week (September 4-5) in San Diego. More information about the conference, including a list of confirmed speakers and the official schedule of events, can be found by clicking here.

Further reading:

• Nearly 50% of California broadband households use online health-based service from doctor, higher than national average
• Thoughts on Google Glass and the Overall Wearable Market
• 360 View: Health Devices and Services for Connected Consumers
• Future Innovations in Digital Health: A Look at 2025
• Infographic: Top Digital Health Consumer Activities of U.S. Households