Apple Watch has 52 percent share of smartwatch market

If you need any more proof that Apple Watch is the smartwatch to beat, Juniper Research has just released a report on smartwatch shipments in 2015 which puts Apple's device at the top of the list with a whopping 52 percent share.

Apple Watch only went on sale in April, so its 52 percent market share was reached in just over eight months. Meanwhile, Android Wear shipments came in at "less than 10 percent" in 2015. Other rivals did not fare well either.

Confederate Motors Opens the Throttle on Design with Help of On Demand Manufacturing

Breathtaking concept aside, a design is only as good as its ability to transform from an idea into the real world. For idealists, this nagging truth is as deflating as it is tedious. Fortunately for the design purists at Confederate Motors, 3D Systems’ On Demand Manufacturing Service provides a parts production solution that lets their imaginations take to the open road.

Founded 24 years ago on the romantic ideals of uncompromising authenticity, Confederate Motors is a small-batch manufacturer of some of the finest American road bikes ever to burn rubber. A likeminded crew of designers and engineers, the Confederate Motors team brings next-level passion to what they do. Their bikes’ distinctive, “skeletal minimalism” style features an interworking display of components that is both sculpture and machine. Hugging unbridled creativity at every turn, the only limitation Confederate Motors has ever acknowledged has tied back to the fulfillment resources at its disposal. Enter the fortuitous find of 3D Systems’ on demand offerings.

3D scanning market forecast to hit US$5.7 billion by 2021

The worldwide 3D scanning market is predicted to reach revenue of US$5.7 billion by 2021, according to a newly released research report.

The report by US-based Allied Market Research says the 3D scanning market will also register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.6% during the 2016-2021 period.

According to Allied, applications of 3D scanners in industrial manufacturing generated the highest revenue in 2014, while geographically North America and European markets will be the key revenue contributors, constituting over 65% of the total market revenue throughout the analysis period. 

The research firm says that nowadays, 3D scanning technology is gaining increased adoption in different industry verticals due to its improved efficiency, and faster and accurate results. 

And, among different types of scanners, the laser scanners are widely adopted due to their easy portability and low price range. 

3D Printing next big game-changer

 As 3D printers are become more affordable and versatile, they are destined to disrupt multiple industries. Here's what you need to know about this quickly accelerating technology.

The MakerBot Replicator 2 enables users to make big objects, up to 410 cubic inches. It was released in 2012 and was designed for the desktop of an engineer, researcher, or creative professional.

Image: MakerBot

 The world of 3D printing is exciting. With more affordable machines, creative entrepreneurs, innovative startups, and new materials, the industry is rapidly evolving.

Since the invention of the 3D printer in 1983 by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems, companies have popped up all over the globe, attempting to make the most innovative machine. Here are 10 reasons why 3D printing matters—maybe you'll decide the equipment is a worthy investment, or maybe you'll just be convinced this futuristic technology will one day have a place in your business or home.

SEE: Photos: 3D printers and the amazing and quirky things they make

1. 3D printing is a key industry to watch in 2014

Enthusiasm is high, and so is the market for 3D printing in both consumer and enterprise space. According to Gartner research, printers under $100,000 were expected to grow almost 50 percent in 2013, and will increase 75 percent this year. Right now, enterprises are using the printers to prototype objects, but we'll see an increasing amount used to make product designs this year.

SEE: 3D printing: A primer for business and technology professionals