Wearables: Their Time Has Come

Summary

From the original calculator watch to Google Glass, Fitbit and more, wearable devices have garnered enormous media attention, even though consumer adoption has been mixed. With the recent launch of the Apple Watch, wearables have moved from hype to reality, and by 2019, 148 million units of wearable computer devices will be shipped. Many travel companies and services – including airlines, hotels, trip itinerary managers and flight alerts – have already created Apple Watch apps. Why is there such a strong connection between wearables and travel, and how will wearables impact the travel experience in the near term and in the future? This article explores the evolution of the wearables segment, with a focus on applications for the travel industry and barriers to adoption.