IP phones are here to stay and, apparently, to become part of a $5 billion market in 2014 for “fourth screen” devices, according to “Connected Home Devices (Fourth Screen)” – a recent study by ABI Research.

 

What’s more: Media phones will be the fastest-growing devices in this category, which also includes digital photo frames and Internet appliances.  

 

However, media phones will have to compete against more multifunctional devices such as smartphones, said ABI Research (News - Alert) industry analyst Michael Inouye.

 

“But for consumers who want more permanent, dedicated control, they can be a compelling proposition,” Inouye said. “One key to success for all these devices is definitely greater consumer education. Vendors and retailers are pinning many hopes on the holiday gift-giving seasons of the next few years.”

 

A number of IP phone manufacturers have upped the ante on their latest batch of devices.

 

Beverly, Mass.-based IP phone manufacturer snom -- which recently penned a partnership with VoIP phone infrastructure company Phybridge (News - Alert) -- said it is solidly focused on developing less-expensive products that make it easier enterprises to embrace IP telephony. 

 

In the past, the cost of migrating to IP telephony was often too prohibitive.

The snom 870 VoIP telephone is much more user-friendly than older models, the company said. For example, its large, high-definition TFT color features a more intuitive user interface that can more easily handle complex applications like call swapping or conference calls for up to five participants.