The smart wearables market saw a steady growth in Q1 of 2015, says research firm IDC, with over 11.4 million wearables getting shipped in this time period globally. According to IDC data, this 11.4 million in Q1 represents a 200.0 percent increase from the 3.8 million wearables shipped in Q1 of 2014. Over 40 percent of the devices getting sold are priced under $100, adds the report. So which OEMs are leading in the wearables market? Fitbit remains on top and continues the lead it has maintained since 2014, says IDC. Fitbit's release of three new devices named the Charge, Charge HR, and the Surge in Q1 of 2015 helped boost sales. [related-post] The IDC report also notes that Xiaomi saw over 1 million units being shipped with its Mi Band, which was a first. Also on the list is Garmin which has expanded its wearable device portfolio to multiple areas of health and fitness, including activity tracking, running, hiking, golfing, triathlons, and multi-sport. Samsung which has a portfolio of Gear smartwatches was fourth on the list. According to IDC, what has limited Samsung that for Gear devices one needs a high-end Samsung smartphone for connectivity. In the fifth place is Jawbone, which beat Pebble and Sony. Jawbone's success was driven by the release of its UP MOVE and continued demand for its nearly year-old UP24. Ramon Llamas, research manager, Wearables at IDC said in a press statement, "Bucking the post-holiday decline normally associated with the first quarter is a strong sign for the wearables market. It demonstrates growing end-user interest and the vendors' ability to deliver a diversity of devices and experiences." "What remains to be seen is how Apple's arrival will change the landscape," added Llamas. "The Apple Watch will likely become the device that other wearables will be measured against, fairly or not." Read more: Smart wearable bands are the rage and here’s how to get the most out of them
