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Emergence of the Wireless Personal Area Network App

Juniper Research believes that the next-generation smartphone -- enabled by an associated software application -- is set to become a means of linking external Smart Wireless Devices to the mobile cloud.

These smartphones will form a central point for a Wireless Personal Area Network, thereby connecting to a wide range of peripheral software apps, web-based portals or cloud-based services.

Put simply, a smart wireless device is a stand-alone piece of hardware which can link to a nearby smartphone, often via a short-range wireless technology such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The device will typically have a companion app, which will add value to the data received from the hardware device. In addition, data from the device may be uploaded to an online site for data analysis.

Juniper has unveiled their list of recent smart technology developments that they believe will positively impact the smart wireless devices sector during 2015.

The Apple Watch launch is a potential game-changer. Not because it offers radical new features and functions, but because it offers a high quality user experience, and it will become a component  part of their mobile technology ecosystem.

Intel is betting on the smart devices sector with a range of chip-sets. From Edison to Curie, these technology is likely to power new smart wireless devices. They also have partnerships with Open Ceremony for the MICA bracelet; with SMS Audio for smart headphones; and with Luxottica for smart eye-wear.

The Microsoft HoloLens announcement 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.

GOQii will offer a subscription-based service that links a device user with a fitness coach who helps to interpret output from the fitness device and provides motivation and context for the data -- it's the key guidance that's lacking in the fitness wearables space.

The TAG Heuer launch opens up the wider premium smart watch market to Google Android Wear and Intel chips. Together with the Apple Watch launch, this signals a new phase of development for smart wear.

Other key findings from the market study include:
  • Juniper Research forecasts that 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.

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