Smart wireless devices that are shaking up the market

Various key technology developments are impacting the smart wireless devices sector. Juniper Research, technology analyst house, has revealed the top five devices that will drive change in the market in 2015.

Apple Watch 

Apple's long-anticipated smartwatch launch is a game changer, according to Juniper.

This isn't because it offers radical new features and functions, but because it offers a best-in-class consumer experience and forms part of a seamless ecosystem, says Juniper.

Intel's Wearables

Intel is moving decidedly into the smart devices sector with a range of chipsets, Juniper says.

From Edison to Curie, these new chips are going to drive many smart wireless devices this year.

The company also has co-branding partnerships with Open Ceremony - for the MICA bracelet, SMS Audio -for smart headphones, and Luxottica - for smart eyewear.

Microsoft HoloLens

Microsoft's announcement of the HoloLens envisions consumer-friendly smart glasses that can bring AR experiences throughout the home, from watching football projected onto a wall, to playing Minecraft on the kitchen table, says Juniper.

GOQii Fitness

GOQii aims to shake up the fitness device sector with their subscription-based service, Juniper says.

This links a user with a 'real' fitness coach who helps to interpret output from the fitness device and provides motivation and context for the data - which is often lacking in the fitness wearables space, according to Juniper.

Google-TAG Heuer Smartwatch

This is a significant development for the smartwatch sector, and opens up the wider premium watch market to Android Wear and Intel chips.

Together with the Apple Watch launch, this signals a new phase of development for smart wear, says Juniper.

Other key findings from Juniper's research:

Hardware margins will decline for fitness and health devices over the next few years. Software and services will become the prime differentiators for these devices.

Over 70 million accessories enabling card payments on mobile devices will be in use by 2019.