appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Karen Chiu

This article originally appeared on ABACUS
If anything makes people more conscious about their health, a deadly epidemic could be it. Wearable makers are forecast to ship 30% more gadgets this year as a result of the coronavirus, according to research firm IDC.
Wearables were already becoming more popular as prices declined. Xiaomi-backed Huami, for instance, sold as many fitness bands in the first nine months of 2019 as it did in all of 2018. But analysts say they now expect even more consumers to buy smartwatches and fitness bands. They also believe that the spread of the Covid-19 disease will spur innovative wearables with disinfectant features.
Fitness equipment has already seen a surge in demand in coronavirus-hit China. Sales of yoga mats jumped 350% on bargain shopping app Pinduoduo. Fenqile, which lets users pay for purchases in installments, said accessories for the Nintendo Switch exercise game Ring Fit Adventure were sold out, and sales for smart treadmills doubled in the past two weeks.

Purchase the China AI Report 2020 brought to you by SCMP Research and enjoy a 20% discount (original price US$400). This 60-page all new intelligence report gives you first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments and intelligence about China AI. Get exclusive access to our webinars for continuous learning, and interact with China AI executives in live Q&A. Offer valid until 31 March 2020.



Chinese AI smart glasses take off with focus on user needs

AI-powered wearables revolutionise health for the ultra-wealthy

China’s Huawei debuts AI glasses to challenge Meta, Alibaba and Rokid in crowded arena

AI eyewear sees brisk sales during China’s Spring Festival

Wearables

The coronavirus might convert more people to smart wearables

Xiaomi is the world’s best-selling brand for wrist-worn wearables, according to IDC. (Picture: Xiaomi)

Abacus

News Bites

Tech

Industry insiders expect the epidemic to spur more innovation in smartwatches and fitness trackers


The coronavirus might convert more people to smart wearables

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Industry insiders expect the epidemic to spur more innovation in smartwatches and fitness trackers

Industry insiders expect the epidemic to spur more innovation in smartwatches and fitness trackers