Consumer interest in wearable technology significant

LAS VEGAS, United States - From fitness monitors to smart watches, the wearable technology is generating significant consumer buying interest, showed a survey released Monday on the eve of the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Sharp releases the latest Quattron Plus TV at the 2014 international CES in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan 6, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

The consumer electronics industry was still dominated by smartphones, HDTVs, laptop computers and tablet PCs, but more than half - 52 percent - of consumers are now interested in buying wearable technologies, such as fitness monitors for tracking physical activity and managing their personal health, the survey conducted by consulting company Accenture said.

Many people are also interested in buying smart watches (46 percent) and Internet-connected eyeglasses (42 percent), showed the survey, which polled more than 6,000 people in six countries, namely Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

"In the past year wearable technologies have emerged as the next big consumer electronics market category, particularly for health and wellness," said Mattias Lewren, global managing director of Accenture's Electronics and High-Tech industry group.

"To capitalize on this growth opportunity, consumer electronics companies should consider investing in wearable product innovation and industrial design, and building ecosystems that connect wearables to the broader array of interactive digital networks," Lewren said.