The Future is Wireless: 72% of Brits expect to own a wireless accessory by 2016

Brits are embracing wireless connectivity with 60% currently owning a wireless connected accessory, including keyboards, health and fitness monitors and smart home devices, according to research commissioned by Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The survey, which looked at the devices UK consumers want and their future connectivity expectations, found this is only set to grow, with 72% expecting to own a wireless connected accessory by 2016.

These findings were in agreement with industry experts surveyed at this year’s Bluetooth World. Both predict that wearable technology devices, such as smart watches, smart eyewear and fitness monitors, will see the biggest growth in consumer demand of all wireless devices in the next year. This was followed closely by smart home devices, including smart light bulbs and temperature sensors. With over half (53%) of those surveyed saying they would like to be able to control appliances in their home directly from their smartphone in the future, smart home solutions look set to see significant growth in the next few years.

“Brits are latching on big time to the many benefits of a wireless connected world,” said futurologist Dr. James Bellini. “This new era of 'mobile-cloud' is driving a revolution in how we live, work, consume and socialise. Above all, the years ahead will see a 'smart' revolution, with the Internet of Things and wireless technologies offering limitless possibilities in how we run our homes, neighbourhoods, even entire cities."
 
As the Internet of Things continues to mature wireless technology will become increasingly ubiquitous with 73% of consumers anticipating that the amount of things they do and control wirelessly will increase in the next five years. For those looking to invest in a device the most important factors when considering which one to buy* are the device being simple to use (54%), it connecting easily and quickly with a smartphone or PC without repeatedly having to reconnect (44%) and delivering information that’s truly useful (38%).

“It’s clear that consumers are seeing the benefit that wireless accessories of all types can bring them, with over half (58%) stating that connected devices could make the things they do every day quicker and easier,” said Suke Jawanda, Bluetooth SIG CMO. “But they also want devices that work seamlessly with their smartphones and tablets, are easy to use and provide them with the data they want. Bluetooth® Smart technology is built into practically every smartphone, tablet and PC on the market which means enabled accessories ‘just work’ with the devices they already own. And by connecting devices and mobile applications it can deliver information that’s truly useful. The technology also offers a simple pairing process and will automatically reconnect – so users looking to buy a wireless accessory know if its Bluetooth Smart enabled they’ll get a simple user experience.”