Over the last three years, the consumer tech space has witnessed a radical shift in consumer preferences, with the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and now Artificial Intelligence (AI) leading the way. From increasing demand for premium products to a connected world, here are some of the trends that will shape the consumer electronics landscape in 2024 in India.
Gaming goes high-end
Mordor Intelligence reports India's nascent gaming industry to be worth $3.49 billion in 2024. This upward trend in the gaming audience is accompanied by a shift towards large-screen gaming.
The visible shift towards gaming PCs comes at a time when consumer preferences and aspirational demand is shifting towards higher-end graphics and gameplay experiences. Affordability through easy financing schemes is a key driver catalysing the adoption of PC-based gaming experiences across market categories. A new convergent form of gaming blending the benefits of traditional PCs with smartphone-like portability is set to be the next big trend for India’s mobile-first audience. These computers, pushing innovative new form factors will be instrumental in increasing access and driving down prices. Expect smartphones to become more powerful for casual gamers, while seeing an uptake on portable PCs for hardcore gamers.
The increasing interest in gaming hardware is poised to have a cascading effect on gaming accessories as well. Larger monitors equipped with forward-looking display technologies like OLED panels and higher refresh rates are the next big trend among PC gamers betting big on premium, quality-of-life enhancements. As 144Hz and higher refresh rate monitors get mainstream, PC gamers are investing in 240Hz and higher displays for a smoother gaming experience.
Here are some top-rated gaming products on Amazon.in
1. LG full HD (1920 x 1080) monitor
The LG monitor boasts Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with IPS technology that delivers clear and consistent true colour. It offers a short response time, 75 Hz refresh rate, improved colour reproduction, and flicker- safe experience. Users can view the screen at virtually any angle.
Buy here for ₹8,900 [51% off; originally ₹18,000]
2. HP M27f 27-inches FHD monitor
The monitor redefines high-definition for gamers with its FHD resolution, IPS technology, and 99% sRGB colour gamut. It creates a smooth and flicker-free gaming experience for users with AMD FreeSync. Its slim profile, innovative cable containment and seamless design makes this monitor ideal for side-by-side screens too.
Buy here for ₹12,999 [35% off; Originally ₹19,180]
3. LG ultrawide 34 inches monitor
Elevate your gaming experience with this UltraWide Full HD resolution (2560x1080) that offers 33% more screen space in width than a FHD resolution (1920x1080) display. With AMD FreeSync and 75Hz refresh rate, gamers can experience seamless, fluid movement in hi-resolution. Its impeccable colour accuracy, black stabiliser and fixed target point helps gamers avoid snipers hiding in the darkest places.
Buy here for ₹24,490 [40% off; Originally ₹41,000]
4. Acer Nitro VG240YS full HD monitor
Enjoy a sharp, smooth, and lag-free gaming experience even at the highest settings, with Acer’s Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) that has an incredible165 Hz refresh rate. Its IPS panel lets you view your display clearly at angles of up to 178° while maintaining the same level of high quality colour.
Buy here for ₹11,173 [53% off; Originally ₹24,000]
Wearables are integrating into daily life
Widely considered as a fashion accessory, wearables are starting to morph from add-ons to standalone devices. The declining average selling price of smartwatches and healthcare wearables is leading to mass adoption in the category. Counterpoint Intelligence reports that the demand for smartwatches surged 21% YoY in Q3 2023 paired with a 41% YoY decline in the average selling price. Coupled with advancements in sensor technology and AI algorithms, healthcare-focused wearables are providing more accurate and actionable data to the end user. A seamless ecosystem of apps connected to healthcare peripherals is empowering consumers to make data-driven informed decisions about their health. With a heightened focus on personal health and well-being across age groups, wearable devices are expected to become even more integrated into daily life. While affordable wearables will continue to democratise access to personal insights, a burgeoning premium tier of healthcare wearables is going a step further with access to real-time health monitoring and insights into critical parameters as diverse as blood sugar monitoring and mental health.
Overall, in 2024, wearables and health tech are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of consumer electronics, offering innovative solutions to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life. This trend welcomes a diverse array of new brands catering to different price ranges.
Check out some of the top-rated smartwatches on Amazon.in here:
1. Apple SE (2nd Gen)
With all the essentials needed to monitor your fitness, keep connected, track your health and stay safe, Apple SE provides insights into your health. It also provides notifications for irregular rhythm or an unusually high or low heart rate. It is swim proof and stylish, with water resistance to 50 metres, and comes in a range of sizes and colours.
Buy here for ₹28,900 [3% off; Originally ₹29,900]
2. Noise Pulse 2 Max
Get started on your fitness journey with a whole range of wellness features in Noise Health Suite with 100 sports modes to support you. The smartwatch boasts 1.85'' TFT LCD that supports 550 nits of brightness, allowing you to see data clearly under the sun. It comes with features such as Bluetooth calling, DND mode, 150+ cloud-based watch faces and more.
Buy here for ₹1,199 [80% off; Originally ₹5,999]
3. Fire-Boltt Phoenix Amoled Ultra
This AMOLED smartwatch makes your everyday look effortlessly glamorous and helps you keep up with your fitness goals with 110+ sports modes. You can navigate effortlessly with its intuitive stainless-steel rotating crown to scroll through apps, messages, and notifications. Simply use its advanced voice assistant to set reminders, check weather, and answer questions with ease.
Buy here for ₹1,899 [85% off; Originally ₹12,999]
4. boAt Xtend
Voice-control your smartwatch with in-built Alexa in the boAt Xtend. Its 1.69" big square colour LCD display features completes a capacitive touch experience to let you take control, effortlessly. It can also monitor your stress level, heart rate, and SpO2 (blood oxygen levels) to keep a tab on your overall health.
Buy here for ₹999 [87% off; Originally ₹7,990]
Consumers are willing to splurge on premium products
As consumer tech continues to democratise access, there is a parallel trend of premiumisation, ushering in new high-end features with next-generation technologies. India is at the centre stage of this explosive growth in demand for consumer electronics. Even as the overall volumes across price segments continue to grow, there is a noticeable shift towards more premium hardware products and associated experiences. This shift is driven by increasing purchasing power and financial tools like easy payment plans and cashback schemes.
Another trend taking shape in Tier 1 cities is reflected in a recent survey conducted by The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), clearly demonstrating a clear shift in buying preferences. Online shopping in Tier 2 to Tier 4 cities is up by 77% compared to Tier 1 cities. In addition, cashback offers, and attractive exchange schemes coupled with easy EMI options on various bank cards have made it easier for customers to opt for the latest product.
Generative AI will redefine smartphone and audio consumption experiences
Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-powered assistants will be the big driving force in 2024. Their influence on consumer technology has been gradually growing, and in 2024, AI will no longer be just about behind-the-scenes optimisation. Generative AI has emerged as a ground-breaking technology, offering a plethora of advantages that resonate deeply with today's consumers. Wearable ambient computing devices in form factors like pins, or accessories that pair with smartphones are some of the most exciting innovations being seen in the AI space. Similarly, on-device LLMs and Generative AI on premium high-end smartphones will be a key point for innovation in 2024.
AI is no longer limited to smart home devices, but increasingly permeating into AI-enabled audio products such as Rabbit R1, Humane Pin and much more. In the audio field, AI is being used to analyse ambient noise levels, and automatically adjust sound quality, thus ensuring a better user experience.
Everyday objects are becoming smarter with the Internet of Everything
Connected devices are changing the way we interact with technology and the world around us. With the rapid advancement of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, everyday objects are becoming smarter and more interconnected than ever before. From smart homes equipped with interconnected appliances that can be controlled remotely via apps to wearable devices that track our health and fitness in real-time, the trend towards connected devices is reshaping how we live, work, and play. The addition of machine-to-machine communication and open protocols like Matter are expected to result in a surge in the adoption of a wider range of products that can interact with each other irrespective of brands and manufacturers.
In the Indian consumer electronics market, the landscape has evolved beyond budget-oriented devices. Recent trends suggest that an increasing number of consumers are turning to online platforms to shop for a diverse range of product categories, and they have a strong preference for the latest and highest-quality offerings available, whether it's for gaming, audio equipment, or home entertainment systems. With affordability options readily accessible, consumers across various cities in India are now more inclined to invest in top-tier technology products that best suit their preferences and needs.
