What New-Age Consumers Look for in a Next-Gen Smartwatch?

Smartwatches have come a long way since their inception, from being an accessory to becoming a necessity. New-age wearables bring functions from smartphones to the wrist, making connectivity and fitness tracking more convenient than ever. But what led wearables to evolve into becoming a necessity or everyday companion? The answer is simple and yet something that is mostly overlooked – the consumers. The meaning of ‘smart’ keeps evolving given the pace of the wearables industry in today’s time.

The evolution of smartwatches has revolved around providing a better connected experience to customers while they are constantly on the go. Modern consumers look for products that simplify their interaction with technology. This happens through ergonomic design, improved functionality, cutting-edge features, enhanced performance, and a good user interface (UI/UX), which leads to a heightened user experience.

Some of the new-age features that define what ‘smart’ stands for in a wearable for customers include:

1. Powerful ProcessorWith multiple sensors and health tracking features active on most occasions, it becomes imperative for a smartwatch to have a processor that adds efficiency and allows the device to smoothly switch between different application screens. A powerful well-tuned processor significantly enhances the functionality of a smartwatch. For example, a high-octane processor like the recently launched Noise’s new EN 1 processor promises to improve a device’s overall performance by up to 30%. It streamlines haptic feedback to reduce the time required for executing tasks. Moreover, it further adds to the battery longevity in smartwatches. In a way, it ensures that the idea of customer-centricity is present in a product. Prioritizing customer centricity is imperative for any brand striving for success. Several leading wearable and lifestyle brands such as Noise, believe in continuously innovating around the lifestyles of the users.
2. Intuitive User Interface and DesignInnovative hardware alone is no longer the catalyst of innovation. A coherent User Interface design that makes human-computer interaction seamless is essential for a product to thrive. A smartwatch’s compact display makes having a thoughtful user interface all the more critical. The philosophy of design revolves around reducing the cognitive load. This can be achieved by opting for a graphical user interface (GUI) that uses icons, buttons, and menus over a text-heavy interface.Keeping in mind modern users, smartwatches are opting for clutter-free designs. Refreshed minimalist icons and fluid animation not only add to the visual appeal but also improve a device’s performance. In digital products gradient backgrounds also allow fonts to pop off, therefore improving readability.
3. A Product That Stands Out From the CrowdA quality build goes a long way in influencing a consumer’s choice when it comes to purchasing a smartwatch. Customers today prefer stainless steel or aluminium bodies with brushed finishes and an edge-cut display that gives the watch a premium feel. A gear design on the dial and functional crown also goes on to give the design a modern and aesthetically pleasing feel. A polished build not only reflects the craftsmanship but also ensures a sturdy build.
4. Advanced Health MonitoringWith the integration of Artificial Intelligence in wearables, consumers expect smartwatches to further simplify health monitoring. Without the requirement to manually feed data, monitoring health has become easier. AI in smartwatches also offers users personalized insights to improve their lifestyle or achieve their fitness goals. One of the key accomplishments is a predictive analysis of existing history leading to tailored fitness recommendations.
5. An added layer of safety with SOSIn addition to monitoring health vitals and GPS tracking, new-age smartwatches add another layer to safety with SOS features. This feature with minimal interaction, such as multiple taps on the screen allows smartwatch users to reach out to their selected contacts in case of a health emergency or when a user feels their safety has been compromised.

In conclusion, the key to success for a consumer tech brand hinges on its ability to integrate technology into the fabric of our daily lives seamlessly. The true measure of success for a brand lies in its ability to actively listen, adapt, and accordingly implement changes to address the pain points of the consumer. Having a customer-centric approach to product development not only makes a product a tailored fit for customers with a specific problem but also makes the brand sustainable in the long run.