More than 70% of the total smartwatch market share held by Samsung and it took 10 months

10 months. That is how long it has been since Samsung introduced its very first wearable device, Galaxy Gear. Now, 10 months later in the present, Samsung has a total of 4 wearable devices under its belt. And we know that number is going to change.

The notable fact during the past 10 months is that, as of the first quarter of 2014, Samsung has become the leader in the world’s smartwatch market, with 71.4%* of the total market share. From October 2013 to June 2014, Samsung held 78% of the total smartwatch market share just in the U.S.

Canalys News projects** the smartwatch market will grow 500%, while shipments of smartwatches will increase about 3 times (2.3 mil to 4.5 mil) compared to last year. As some of you may know, it is quite unorthodox for Samsung to talk about its on-going projects, so the recent announcement concerning the on-going wearable project, SIMBAND, may have come as a surprise. However, it is pretty much a confirmation that Samsung will continue its effort on wearable devices.

OK, ‘effort’ is a vague word, so let’s dig in a bit deeper. For example, Samsung Galaxy Gear is an interesting device, because, when it was first introduced, there weren’t many smartphone compatible wearable devices that could offer calling, messaging options, photo and video recording and more. It was basically the first of its kind.

The importance of this is that it gave Samsung a head start in developing better wearable device of its kind. As continuous improvements technologically being a given considering their effort in R&D, the real advantage is the fact that it has been able to gather more feedbacks from its users to improve the UX and design they want.

Let’s take a look at the difference between Galaxy Gear (2013) and Samsung Gear 2s and Gear Fit (2014).

Compatibility

When Galaxy Gear was first introduced, it was compatible with Galaxy Note 3 and several other devices. People wanted it to be compatible with more devices and Samsung heard them loud and clear. New Samsung Gear Devices that were introduced this year are compatible with 22 Galaxy devices and many non-Galaxy devices as well***.

Design

The changeable strap of the new Gear devices is surely a good thing for customizing the device. However, in the case of the Gear 2s, the significance comes from the design of the main body. Gear 2 can support the changeable strap because of the fact that, unlike the Galaxy Gear, both the camera and the MIC are housed in the main body.

This was also result of the VOC (voice of customers). Although people were excited about Galaxy Gear’s ability to take pictures and support voice features, many wanted those supporting components to be on the main body. Samsung made that change.

UX

Water and dust resistance. This doesn’t need much explanation. Since the wearable device is worn on the wrist, they wanted it to be more compatible with daily activities. Although water and dust resistance are almost taken for granted with the new Samsung mobile devices, according to some of the senior developers at Samsung, this required a significant amount of time and effort in research and trial and error. 

Moreover, when Gear Fit was first introduced at the MWC 2014, it only featured the horizontal-oriented display. However, people voiced their desire to have a vertical display as well. Within months, when it was officially released, Gear Fit featured the vertical-oriented display as well.

Health Features

No one can deny the trend of health consciousness. As Gartner, an IT research institute, predicts, smartawtches are expected to be the device for personal healthcare.  As the importance and awareness of health rises among people, it has become very significant for IT devices to support peoples’ desire to stay fit. Gear 2 devices and Gear Fit feature the heart rate sensor, which allows various types of health/fitness functions and apps.

It is surely great news for Samsung that it only took 10 months to lead the smartwatch market as the market is estimated to grow significantly; once again, for Samsung. For users like us, all we want is better product. Not so coincidently, Samsung has marked itself as the leader in the smartwatch market by improving its product based on what users want. Therefore, as long as we want better wearable device, you can surely count on Samsung’s next wearable device; which we may get sooner than later.

*Statistics provided by Strategy Analytics. Numbers based on shipments

** Statistics provided by NPD. Numbers based on sales.

***Technical Requirements:

Gear2/Gear2 Neo – RAM 1.5GB / OS JB 4.3 / BT 4.0         

Gear Fit – RAM 1.0GB / OS JB 4.3 / BT 4.0   

*****All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.