The upstream supply chain is increasing production and R&D for wearable device components as vendors are gearing up to release or expand product lineups in 2014, according to industry sources.
Vendors such as Google, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics and Apple are putting in orders to upstream makers for devices expected to be released throughout 2014, and are also calling on the makers to bump up R&D to allow for new features.
Some supply chains have issues producing bendable components to meet demand for certain devices such as smartwatches, the sources said.
The vendors are particularly looking to release new devices with special features and services geared toward the exercise segment, the sources added.
Most panel supply for wearable devices is expected to come from Samsung Display, LG Display and Japan Display in 2014, the sources noted.
