By Jeff Kagan

09/18/14 6:48 AM PT

I see a market for smartwatches, but it's not the market we think about when we use the word "watch." I wish the industry had thought of a different name so this wrist-based technology could expand the brand identity without confusion. There are many ways these new smartwatches eventually will change the marketplace. Apps are important. Users won't adopt smartwatches until they can do many things.

 

Rather than think of the smartwatch as a watch, we should think of it as a smartphone extension. It just happens to be strapped to your wrist, looks like a watch, and tells time along with many other things.

However, even though these devices tell time, they are not watches. They work through the smartphone on our belt or in our pocket. In fact, they are sort of like what cartoon character Dick Tracy wore for communication.

This is a brand new category. So far, no one company has done a good job of defining and owning this new space. However, riches and glory will go to the company that can do that.

 

E Commerce Times/ full article here/ http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/81063.html