New sales figures are in for Google-powered wearable devices, and the numbers aren’t exactly staggering.
More than 720,000 Android Wear devices shipped in 2014, according to research firm Canalys.
That’s out of a total 4.6 million smart wearable bands, which Canalys as defines devices that can run third-party apps, shipped last year.
Overall, 720,000 out of 4.6 million (about 16% of the total sold) isn’t stellar. Pebble, the first big pusher of the modern smartwatch, doled out some 1 million units from its 2013 launch through 2014.
While Google had less time to push its product, which began shipping in summer of last year, it also has the Google name and tons of more money behind it.
Another competitor for Google is Samsung, with its Tizen-powered smartwatches. Although Canalys didn’t provide specific numbers, the research firm did note in its report that the South Korean company has “struggled to keep consumers engaged” with its wearable technology.
Android Wear is supported on six devices, from OEMs like Motorola, LG and Sony.
The clear front-running Android brand was Motorola; its Moto 360 proved most popular, despite supply constraints, according to the report.
Android Wear has yet another massive challenger to worry about: the Apple Watch, which goes on sale in April.
However, like Android Wear, Apple’s wearable is not expected to pack an impressive battery life, it is the Cupertino company’s first wearable. That’s all the buzz it needs.
Canalys also lists a subgroup of wearables called “basic wearable bands,” which includes devices like Fitbit, Jawbone and Xiaomi devices. Fitbit is still the “global leader” in this market, but Xiaomi’s Mi Band is catching up fast, according to the report.
Source: mashable.com