While some view it as a passing fad, interest in wearable devices continues to grow according to recent surveys, and if the trend holds, it could boost demand for Bluetooth and other connectivity technologies, including NFC.

Nearly 75% of consumers are aware of wearable devices, and around 50% are interested in owning one in the near future, according to results of an online Nielsen poll released last month. The poll was conducted in November.

Consumer awareness and interest may translate to a significant increase in wearable device shipments this year, according to analyst firm Canalys, which last year forecast smart watch shipments at around 5 million units in 2014. If that prediction, made in July 2013, proves accurate, it would be a dramatic increase from 2013’s estimated 500,000 units, which was itself a modest increase from 2012’s 330,000 units, compared with around one billion standard watches.