Weekly Column: 2017-04-28

When the Fitbit first came out, I purchased a smart band to try it out, then switched to the smart watch from Samsung, which I still use today. It analyzes the time I slept daily, displays my schedule stored on my smartphone in real time, makes it convenient to check my emails and texts (while driving), and even shows how much I exercise a day.  It is like having a secretary by my side.

With the advent of the iPhone 3G in 2008, the mobile era began, which expanded to tablets, then to the emergence of wearable devices starting in 2010. The smart band for the Fitbit, which I mentioned earlier, is a good example of a wearable device, along with the Samsung Gear Series and the well-known Apple Watch. Previously, they focused on checking health when attached to the body, but afterward, wearable devices such as the Samsung Gear Series and the Apple Watch allowed users to not only monitor their activities but also send messages, receive calls, etc. to essentially replace smartphone functions. However, even though consumers are initially attracted to these wearable devices, they soon become tired of them and about 70% of consumers stop using them within a year.

Wearable devices showed great potential through the anticipation of the Samsung Gear and Apple Watch, and it continues to attract attention for their versatility in the smartphone functions.  It monitors not only individual health but also lifestyle changes and provides payment options. It is estimated that by 2020, wearable devices sales will have reached $61.7 billion, as well as 20% of the estimated $13.7 billion in the wearable healthcare market. These wearable devices have served as a catalyst in the growth of the internet-of-things (IoT) market,  although it is not yet clear if this is just a short fad or if it will continue.  It is certain that IoT will definitely become a major trend in the future.

So what is IoT?

Things literally refer to physical objects. Connecting an object or device with a specific purpose to the internet is an IoT. It can be said that the purpose of an IoT is to be able to complete the particular purpose it was made for, more efficiently, by utilizing the information that the device receives from the internet it is connected to. For that matter, marketing in the future should assimilate with IoT to use information analyzed from searches from search engines, like Google search, so that the IoT can use this data along with behavioral patterns, the environment and create a new strategy. The advantage of wearable devices is that unlike other devices, it is possible to collect and deliver personal data, so eventually, the consumers will purchase what they want when it comes before them.

We live in a world with endlessly changing trends that can change in a blink of an eye. Those who respond to these changes wisely and make trends rather than follow them will be able to get ahead in this world of intense competition. To be a leader that stands out from others, know the trends in advance and use the information well in order to maintain your future-oriented marketing.