The world market for Internet-connected devices will rise 6% over 2013 to represent the largest increase in four years, according to industry researcher IHS Technology. Global demand for cell phones, tablets, and computers will push production of connected equipment to 6.18 billion units this year compared to 5.82 billion in 2013.
Production rates will slow in the next few years, although total units produced will still increase, IHS adds (see the figure). The market hasn't seen such growth since 2010, when global production of connected equipment rose 10%.
"The improved growth this year of the connected devices industry marks the return of higher production as manufacturers deliver all sorts of connectivity equipment to users," explains Jagdish Rebello, senior director for information technology at IHS. "Given the voracious appetite of consumers for social media and their yen for always-on connectivity, it's little surprise that makers will continue to turn out such devices to keep buyers engaged."
Connected devices allow users to interact with the Internet via embedded connectivity made possible through built-in semiconductors. Video game consoles, media tablets, mobile handsets, LCD televisions, set-top boxes, and mobile PCs are among the fastest-growing products in 2014. Digital still cameras, camcorders, desktop PCs, DVD players, and portable media players are expected to decline in production.
