# Affordable Superfluous Nonessential tech products get a budget-friendly makeover. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Feb 10, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/affordable-superfluous ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Affordable Superfluous trend? **Affordable Superfluous:** Allowing those with lower incomes to reap the benefits of what are seen as "unnecessary" tech products, brands are offering consumers attractive cost-conscious alternatives. A stark contrast to an industry that's typically seen as cost-prohibitive, this change is shifting consumers' perception of how far their money can go in the tech market. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 29, 2014 to Dec 8, 2016 - Published: Feb 10, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Affordable Superfluous trend ### Affordable Tech Products Brands are offering consumers attractive cost-conscious alternatives, allowing those with lower incomes to reap the benefits of 'unnecessary' tech products. ### Inexpensive Virtual & Mixed Reality Virtual and Mixed Reality systems are becoming more affordable, allowing more people to engage with these new technologies. ### Low-Cost Wearable Tech Companies are launching affordable wearable technology products that offer functional designs and technology to track fitness and daily activities. ## What the Affordable Superfluous trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics Consumer electronics industry is releasing budget-friendly tech gadgets that appeal to individuals who want to use the latest technology without breaking the bank. ### For Gaming Gaming industry is releasing more affordable gaming hardware and software that are accessible to a wider audience. ### For Fitness Fitness industry is incorporating wearable technology that is more affordable, offering easy tracking of daily health and fitness routines. ## Trend signals for Affordable Superfluous Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Affordable Superfluous trend 5 featured examples from Dec 29, 2014 to Dec 8, 2016. - [Affordable Virtual Reality Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-system): The Xiaomi Mi VR Headset is Priced at Just $29 (Category: Tech) Implication: The virtual reality industry can benefit from offering more affordable options like the Xiaomi Mi VR headset. - [Affordable Photography Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parrot-bebop): The Parrot Bebop is Competitively Priced for All to Enjoy (Category: Tech) Implication: The drone industry falls within the consumer electronics industry as affordable drones and innovative features drive consumer demand and expand the market. - [Affordable Mixed Reality Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zapbox): ZapBox Provides a Way for People to Engage with Virtual Reality (Category: Tech) Implication: The ZapBox product provides an affordable virtual reality option for consumers in the gaming and entertainment industry. - [Wallet-Friendly Fitness Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/withings-activite-pop): The Withings Activite Pop is Functional, Attractive and Affordable (Category: Fashion) Implication: The Withings Activite Pop highlights the opportunity for innovation in creating cost-effective fitness tracking devices. - [Inexpensive Streaming Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mozilla-matchstick): The Mozilla MatchStick is a Budget-Friendly Chromecast Alernative (Category: Tech) Implication: Inexpensive streaming sticks create opportunities for consumer electronics companies to innovate in the streaming device market and offer affordable options to consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)