Samsung Gear Fit

Almost 75 percent of Americans believe wearable technology will have a positive impact on health, sports, and fitness industries, according to a couple of surveys conducted by ON World that included responses from 2,000 consumers.

“Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Smart have made wearable technologies appealing to mainstream consumers,” Mareca Hatler, ON World’s research director, said in a statement. “Fitness continues to be the primary driver but opportunities for wearable devices are growing for personal lifestyle enhancements, safety, comfort and convenience.”

The surveys found that consumers most desired smartwatches followed by activity trackers, smart glasses, heart rate monitors, and smart clothing. Respondents aged 18 to 34 were almost twice as likely to purchase a smartwatch compared with the older age brackets. When On World parsed the age brackets, researchers found that those aged 25 to 34 were two times more likely to purchase an activity tracker compared with 18 to 25 year old respondents. On the other hand, for respondents aged 18 to 34, 60 percent are more likely than respondents aged 25 to 34 to use a wearable technology product for health or fitness.

Thirty percent of  respondents aged 18 to 34 already own a wearable product and those who don't plan to purchase one within the next 12 months.

ON World estimates that by sometimes next year, 19 percent of Americans will own a wearable technology product.

Respondents were most wary of price and transparency when considering whether they want to purchase a wearable device. After that, people were hesitant about radio wave radiation, ease of use and battery lifetime.