It's not about the watch form factor, but creating a wearable mobile device that takes advantage of advances in mobile computing technology such as cheap sensors, better battery life and improved voice recognition.

CNN: More than a watch: Apple's entry into wearable tech

Google's glasses reflect a growing interest in wearable computing, which many experts think could be the next big thing in personal technology after smartphones and tablets.

ECONOMIST: Wearable computing

Strides in design, battery technology, computing and connectivity are ushering in a new era of wearable computing.

FORBES: How To Profit From Apple's iWatch, Nike's FuelBand and Google's Glass

Despite the promise of wearable computing, attendees also acknowledged that there was a very large gulf between the current technology and mass adoption.

WSJ: For Wearable Computers, Future Looks Blurry