The new term Internet of People (IoP) encompasses internet-enabled personal electronics. It is rapidly spreading into the fabric of society giving a burst of new growth to add to the easing growth of mobile phones, tablets and other conventional personal electronics and associated networks and services. Many internet-enabled peripherals and alternatives are arriving that are worn, embedded in textiles and in products. This is thanks to new materials and ways of making electronics and more suitable human interfaces. As yet, little is written about IoP as a big picture, though reviews of such things as Google Glass and smart watches and speculation about new products abounds on the web. This report provides what is missing - forecasts for the big picture down to the materials and technologies involved that will cause disruptive change such as invisible, stretchable, woven and disposable electronics.
Samsung, Apple, Google, Adidas, Reebock, Nike, Microsoft, SAP and Roche are among the many giant companies clashing horns on this so called "new mobile phone" ie potentially huge market. Even software companies are saying, "hardware is the new software". The $5 billion wearable technology market is now entering a rapid growth phase. Consider lead indicators such as relevant Google Trends, relevant patent filings over the years, incidence of diabetes (treatment being a major sector of wearable technology already), cost reduction of the key enabling technologies, increase in functionality that is becoming possible and interest in fitness monitors another early success story. All show that very rapid growth is in prospect.
This report covers the technologies that will be required to drive the market forward, from tightly rollable display technology, phone sensor fusion and printed electronics to indoor positioning systems (IPS), near field communication (NFC) and real-time locating systems (RTLS). It discusses the most viable markets and megatrends, provides forecasts and timelines to 2025, and includes expert opinions and direct company interviews.
