The global market for the Internet of things (IOT), the concept of connecting household devices to the Internet, will nearly triple to $1.7 trillion by 2020, says research firm IDC.
The IOT market, valued at $655.8 billion in 2014, is set to grow at a compounded annual rate of 16.9%, said IDC yesterday.
"Devices, connectivity, and IT services will make up the majority of the IOT market in 2020," IDC said. "Together, they are estimated to account for over two-thirds of the worldwide IOT market in 2020..."
Technology firms, including Google, Intel, Cisco Systems, Samsung Electronics and telecoms majors such as Vodafone and Verizon, are betting heavily on Internet device-connected homes for future revenue and profit.
Intel said in February it would buy German network chip maker Lantiq to expand its range of chips used in Internet-connected gadgets.
Google bought smart thermostat and smoke alarm-maker Nest Labs for $3.2 billion last year, and Samsung Electronics acquired US start-up SmartThings, which makes software that helps control everything from door locks to light switches in homes, for $200 million.
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