Uninterrupted innovation biggest challenge for TWS, wearable segment: pTron CEO Ameen Khwaja

Homegrown manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned to provide affordable wearables and earables to customers. While these Indian brands are improving the quality of products in the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) category with every launch, a major challenge for almost all of them is to provide precise data and accurate step counts. PTron, which was at the third spot in the TWS category with 7.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 (according to the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) India Monthly Wearable Device Tracker), feels that offering both affordability and accuracy is important for customers in India. 

pTron is a brand owned by Palred Electronics Private Limited, which is a subsidiary of Palred Technologies Ltd, a public-listed company on BSE and NSE since 2004. According to the company's official website, it is the first company to make TWS in India. Speaking to Zee Business,  Ameen Khwaja - Founder & CEO, pTron - said that the company invests significant efforts in ensuring their smartwatches offer accurate step counts and other relevant metrics. While Khwaja feels that there is still ample room for growth in the wearable segment, he also emphasised that the biggest challenge in the coming days for the TWS and wearable segment will be uninterrupted innovation and delivering products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.  

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview: 

Q: According to IDC, the Indian wearables market saw 80.9% YoY growth in Q1 2023. How do you see it? Do you think there will be a saturation or it will continue to grow? 

Ameen Khwaja: We are thrilled to see the tremendous growth of the Indian wearables market, as highlighted by IDC's report. We at pTron have also witnessed this YoY growth which demonstrates the increasing adoption and demand for wearables in India. Considering the rapid pace of technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences, we believe there is still ample room for further growth in this segment. With the rising awareness of health and fitness, coupled with the integration of advanced features, we expect the wearables market to continue its upward trajectory.

Q: Smartwatches by Indian brands usually don't give precise numbers in terms of step count and others. Don't you think it is impacting their image in the long run? How do you plan to tackle it?

Ameen Khwaja: At pTron, we also prioritise providing our customers with precise and reliable readings. We recognise the importance of accurate measurements and data precision in the smartwatch category and use industry-standard chipset for step count and heart rate. 

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We invest significant efforts in ensuring that our smartwatches offer accurate step counts and other relevant metrics. Our commitment to quality and user satisfaction sets us apart from the competition. We continually refine our products and leverage advanced technologies to enhance the accuracy and performance of our smartwatches. 

Q: What are the main focus areas of Indian brands like pTron - providing affordable watches or accurate readings?

Ameen Khwaja: At pTron, our main focus is to provide customers with a perfect balance of affordability and accuracy. We understand the importance of delivering high-quality wearables at affordable prices without compromising on performance. Our products are designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers by offering accurate readings and reliable functionality. We believe that by offering both affordability and accuracy, we can provide a superior value proposition to our customers.

Q: There are reports that suggest a dip in online sales of smartphones. Do you see similar trends in the TWS category and wearable category? 

Ameen Khwaja: While there might be fluctuations in online sales trends across different product categories, we have not observed any significant dip in the online sales of TWS and wearable devices. In fact, the demand for TWS earbuds and wearables has been steadily growing due to their convenience, functionality, and evolving consumer preferences. At pTron, we continuously adapt to market dynamics and focus on customer preferences like style, reliability and affordability, especially for the youth and consumers in Tier II and Tier II cities. This helps our products remain competitive and sought after in the online marketplace. 

Q: Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Oppo are launching TWS at aggressive prices. Do you think they will manage to rule this segment as they did in the smartphone category?

Ameen Khwaja: Chinese manufacturers have indeed made notable strides in the TWS segment, leveraging their expertise in the consumer electronics industry. However, the audio and wearable market is highly dynamic and competitive. At pTron, we are confident in our ability to offer Made-in-India, innovative and high-quality products that cater specifically to the needs of Indian consumers. Our focus on affordability, accuracy, and customer-centric features plus Made in India products positions us uniquely in the market. We believe that customers appreciate the value and quality we offer, allowing us to maintain a strong presence in this segment.

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Q: What is the biggest challenge for this segment in the coming days and how pTron is prepared to face it?

Ameen Khwaja: The biggest challenge in the coming days for the TWS and wearable segment lies in continually innovating and delivering products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. Rapid technological advancements, changing fashion trends, and increasing consumer expectations require brands to stay agile and proactive. At pTron, we are prepared to face this challenge by investing in research and development, collaborating with industry experts, and leveraging customer feedback to drive continuous improvement. Our commitment to staying ahead of the curve enables us to offer cutting-edge products and experiences to our customers. 

Q: Who are your biggest competitors in the TWS hearable and Wearable segment?

Ameen Khwaja: In the TWS audio and wearable segment, we face competition from various players. Some of our key competitors include established brands as well as emerging players who cater to similar consumer segments. While competition is healthy and drives innovation, we differentiate ourselves through our core values of affordability, precision, and uncompromising quality. By consistently delivering exceptional products and outstanding customer experiences, we have been able to establish a strong position in the market. Our focus remains on exceeding customer expectations and maintaining our leadership in this competitive landscape.