China-based Xiaomi has recently released a smart bracelet priced at CNY79 (US$12.79) and the price point is expected to affect other vendors' pricing for wearable devices they plan to release in the near future, according to some market watchers.
Most vendors are using Samsung's pricing for its Galaxy Gear and Fitbit series as references for their wearable product prices. However, they may need to readjust them in orders to compete against Xiaomi's device. The Galaxy Gear 2 is priced at US$269 and Fitbit US$99.
The market watchers pointed out that vendors who rely on low-price strategies will be affected by Xiaomi's new wearable device, but Apple and Samsung will only see limited impact as their target customers are completely different.
Acer has recently unveiled its new wearable device, the Liquid Leap, featuring an 1-inch OLED touch display and it will be available later in August. The market watchers originally expected the wearable device to be priced between US$100-120, but may now be cheaper.
Acer shipped 2.5 million smartphones in 2013 and expects its shipments to grow 500-1,000% on year in 2014.
Digitimes Research has also estimated that worldwide smartphone shipments will grow 30% on year in 2014 and 20% in 2015.
Vendors are keen to have a share in the wearable devices market.
Photo: Michael Lee, Digitimes file photo
Article translated by Joseph Tsai
