Demand for new Bluetooth Smart fitness devices set to explode
Bluetooth 4.0 is dramatically shrinking the size and power requirements of sensors able to measure pace, pulse, cadence, distance, and other workout information. Tiny sensors that can operate for months with just a coin-cell battery will lead to a new wave of sports and fitness devices that help people track their workouts and athletic performances.
No one wants to carry around any more weight or bulky equipment than necessary when they exercise or compete. Whether someone is training for the Olympics or just trying to lose a few pounds, smaller is better when it comes to heart rate straps, cadence sensors, sports watches, and other wireless fitness gear.
More than 60 million sports, fitness and health monitoring devices with Bluetooth technology are expected to ship between 2010 and 2015." -- IMS Research
Shrinking sensors opening up new market opportunities
The ability of Bluetooth v4.0 to shrink the size of these and other sports and fitness devices will create great opportunities for manufacturers. Bluetooth v4.0 is already leading to tiny, low-cost sensors that help doctors monitor the health of their patients.
The same body sensors can help people monitor their exercise and better understand their workouts and fitness level.
Convenience is also a key factor in the popularity of fitness products, with Bluetooth technology allowing people to listen to music with wireless headphones while they exercise, instead of hassling with cords.
Because Bluetooth v4.0 sensors are so small, they can easily be attached to a shoe, wrist, or chest, where they can monitor everything from pace and pulse to cadence and distance. They won't get in the way of a workout or athletic performance.
The tiny sensors can send their information wirelessly to a Bluetooth enabled sports watch or phone for instant feedback while the person is working out or competing.
New workout devices creating demand for new fitness apps to support them
All of this workout data will create demand for new PC and phone applications to process and analyze a wealth of exercise information. Bluetooth technology will send the workout data wirelessly to a phone or PC. From there, you'll be able to process and analyze the information with the latest sports and fitness apps, and securely share your results online with your personal trainer, friends, or anyone you want.
The many new wireless fitness devices enabled by Bluetooth v4.0 will increase demand for apps able to work with them, whether it's analyzing runs, bike rides, gym workouts, or other types of workouts.
Some of the new wireless exercise devices made possible by Bluetooth technology include:
- Heart-rate monitors that connect to a Bluetooth phone. This allows you to set the phone in front of you on a treadmill or other exercise machine, watch your pulse in real-time as you work out, and then analyze the information later.
- Heart-rate monitors that automatically connect to a treadmill, elliptical machine, or other exercise equipment at the gym and display your heart rate on the machine while you work out.
- Cycling computers that send your speed, route, and other performance data wirelessly to a phone, where you can analyze it after your ride.
- Bluetooth enabled sports watches that can connect wirelessly to a heart-rate strap, foot pod, or phone.
- Wireless, water-resistant earbuds made to wear while you work out.
Fast Facts about Bluetooth technology in Sports & Fitness
- Heart rate monitors to increase 60% from over 11 million to 17.7 million from 2011 to 2015
- Sports watches to double from 3.5 million to over 7 million from 2011 to 2015
- Running speed and distance monitors to increase from 60% from 1.3 million to over 2 million from 2011 to 2015
How to profit from this market
The Bluetooth SIG can help your company benefit from opportunities in the sports & fitness market. Get started by joining the Bluetooth SIG community. We have more than 18,000 member companies worldwide making everything from cars and computers to mobile phones and microchips. To learn more, visit our membership page.