Mobile Unified Communications Featured Article

Expect IP-connected devices in the home to enjoy a hefty increase over the next five years, as high-speed broadband, convergence and home networking take off.

 

According to ABI Research’s (News - Alert) new study, “Connected Home Devices Market Data,” there’s a new wave in the world of home connectivity. Hardware-wise, the trend in the digital home is headed toward IP-connected home devices, signifying a new era in consumer electronics. Such devices are also slated to be the “next big thing” in the consumer electronics industry, with a global market value growing by a compound average of 23 percent annually over the next five years to more than $10 billion in 2014.

 

“Service providers view home networking not only as an avenue to create consumer loyalty but also as a new revenue-generating cash cow,” said ABI Research industry analyst Serene (News - Alert) Fong in a press statement.

 

The ABI Research study reveals service providers are doing more to include content, applications, networking and sometimes gaming and even energy management in their service offerings – going beyond just pure voice or data services. In fact, said the ABI Report, interest in content sharing among multiple, unified communications devices is growing as the users explore the new realm of integrated browsing, communication and entertainment.  

 

But though consumers are increasingly investing in digital devices to enhance the quality of their entertainment experiences, there are still obstacles to overcome before the masses can enjoy true connected home experiences with multiple interoperable services and devices.

 

“Service providers and equipment manufacturers should not rest on their laurels,” said Fong. “Price, product quality and end-user experiences still remain intensely competitive and manufacturers will have to keep their customers satisfied before they can start hoping for real significant revenue growth.”