Apple’s Rivals Hope Its Watch Will Boost Their Own Wearable Tech

BARCELONA (Reuters) – Apple’s rivals want to benefit from its magic, hoping that its long awaited new smartwatch will finally conjure demand for wearable technology that has so far generated more buzz about its potential than actual sales. Gizmos that users wear on their bodies have yet to live up to the hype as the next big thing in technology. But experts say the arrival of Apple’s new Watch – expected to be launched at an event announced next week – could finally get consumers excited. “If Apple is successful, it’ll create a rising tide that will lift the whole market,” said Ben Wood, a top gadget reviewer at technology market research firm CCS Insight. His company predicts Apple will sell 20 million of its new smart watches this year, helping spur 150 percent growth in the wearable technology sector to 75 million gadgets, rising to 350 million by 2018. Strategy Analytics, a second research firm, estimates Apple is likely to sell 15 million watches this year. Making novelty products is one thing. Getting people to wear them is entirely another. Just ask Nike or Google. Sportswear maker Nike halted work on its line of sports fitness wristband products a year ago. By far the

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