Moreover, in increasing the number of units it shipped to 3.7 million, Xiaomi managed to grow its market share by 11.7 percent. “The challenge, however, is whether these vendors can expand their presence, as few have extended beyond the country’s borders and into other markets”, Llamas said. “By the end of 3Q15, shipment volumes for both product categories increased sequentially and year over year, showing that, for now, the categories can co-exist”.
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“Smartwatches have drawn increased attention to the market from the likes of Apple, Motorola, Pebble, and Samsung, but this has not dampened interest in fitness trackers”, said IDC, in a research note. The Apple Watch also offers a feature that encourages users to stand up and walk around.
Chinese electronics firm Xiaomi vaulted into third place with a 17.4 per cent market share, as unit sales surged more than 800 per cent, IDC said. During the quarter, Target has ordered 335,000 fitness trackers for its employees, and other corporations such as Time Warner, Bank of America made similar orders in the past.
Fitbit recently launched its corporate wellness service, which is now used by 70 Fortune 500 companies.
IDC says that sales are focused largely on the cheaper Apple Watch Sport model, with Apple releasing rose gold and gold versions to sate growing demand. Both companies are up from a year ago when Fitbit sold 2.3 million devices and Apple sold zero.
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The market research firm said that Xiaomi’s affordable Mi Band buoyed volumes higher during the quarter, with more than 97% of its volumes shipping into China. It remains to be seen if the near Samsung Gear S2 can help the company reclaim the fifth place in the chart. This also benefits consumers, as they have more choice: from simple fitness gadgets to full-fledged smartphone-type experience. Unlike Samsung – which offers a broad range of smartwatches – XTC makes just one wearable device, a watch phone for children called the Y01.
