Is wearables fatigue setting in? Has the novelty worn off?

Mixed reviews and unused devices

As technology advances, so does the seemingly endless stream of gadgets and gizmos. We seem to constantly be looking for newest, fastest, most fantastic piece of technology and wearables are no exception. Wearables, in particular, seem to elicit a wide variety of emotions from absolute love to absolute disdain.

When wearable technology first emerged, consumers couldn’t get their hands on it fast enough. Virtually everyone wanted to try to something, from the FitBit to the Apple Watch. Now, the reviews seem to be mixed. Some consumers love their devices, while others no longer see the point in them.

What’s wrong with wearables?

A recent article from Fortune, prompted me to contemplate my own wearable devices. I have used a FitBit and an Apple Watch. While both are useful devices, they of course serve different purposes. Fortune writer, Mike Feibus, states that users are experiencing “wearables fatigue.”

Instead of an endless stream of step counts and sleep analysis, “[he] wants a device that monitors the stream of data and lets me know how healthy I am and what I can do to be healthier.” Of course, more intuitive devices are certainly on the horizon; as technology is constantly evolving, will that really solve the “wearables fatigue” he speaks of?

Do you have “wearables fatigue”?

I would also posit, that with any wearable device, any type of device really, the new eventually wears off and what’s left is how well the device integrates into your life.

For me, the FitBit didn’t really do enough for me to justify wearing it daily. However, the Apple Watch on the other hand, is amazing. I have had my Watch for a few months and it is fantastic for reminding me to check email, respond to messages, and generally keep on top of what I need to do. Why? For me, having a visual reminder is effective. Sure, it pops up on my phone, but when I’m working; my phone is facedown or in a drawer so I don’t get distracted. Welcome to the Catch 22 that is the modern world. Even if it was face up, I’d inevitably miss a few notifications; however, with the Watch, I don’t miss any. This is what works for me. Other people may find it to be useless and that’s okay.

The takeaway

When the new wears off, if you’re still using the device it’s serving its function well. I don’t think you have to be as giddy as you were on Christmas morning to still enjoy the device. I think part of the “wearables fatigue” Feibus speaks of is definitely true.

However, I also think people tire of things more quickly now. By and large, we are easily distracted and I think this also contributes to wearable fatigue. Wearables are only going to get better with time, but in the mean time, I don’t think it’s a bad thing if we occasionally kick a device to the curb and say, “nope, this isn’t working for me,” and try something else. Afterall, part of the allure of evolving technology is the ability to try it out for yourself.

What do you think? Do you have wearables fatigue, or are your wearables still part of your daily routine?

#WearablesFatigue