The Apple Watch is widely expected to be the kind of “halo” device that gives wearables an additional aura of credibility among consumers. It should not be any different in India and in fact may be a “booster shot for the nascent wearable category.” As one would expect though, not everyone believes that wearables are about to explode.
Indian device manufacturers expect slower adoption rates until such a time as prices come down and a compelling reason is clearly demonstrated to Indian consumers. For example, Shashin Devsare, Executive Director, Karbonn Mobiles, had this to say, “The adoption of wearable devices in India would be largely dependent on developing relevant and meaningful user cases for consumers at large and making the technology available at a disruptive price point.”
His sentiments are echoed by SN Rai, Co-founder and Director, Lava Mobiles: “Currently, wearables will need some time before they pick up here in India. There needs to be a value proposition along with the right ecosystem.” Despite muted expectations, Lava will launch its first smartwatch in August.
Others are more optimistic. Martian Watches’ Regional Head, Asia, West Asia and Africa, Kartik Iyer, expects that Apple will help it increase sales of its Martian Notifier smartwatch line (pictured above) now available in India through Flipkart. “We are pretty excited that Apple is venturing into the smartwatch category. Apple always comes with a game changing perspective and this will only help in expanding the market for such devices in countries like India,” he said.
It remains to be seen both in India and globally whether manufacturers can convince consumers that a smartwatch is a must-have device much as the smartphone has become.
Source : The Hindu Business Line