According to ABI Research, the market for open short-range wireless (SRW) technology based internet connection sharing (ICs) including technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Near field communication, and the global positioning system, is expected to reach about 5 billion units in 2013.
Further, the ICs market is expected to grow to 8 billion by 2018. The market will comprise standalone wireless connectivity ICs, wireless connectivity combo ICs, and platforms with integrated wireless connectivity.
ABI Research underscores that the consumer devices like mobile phones, laptops, media tablets, games consoles have been the major driver of SRW technology growth. However, going forward new applications related to automotive, home automation, smart energy, retail, will be the major growth drivers for ICs market over the next 10 years.
The research firm notes that the SRW technologies are enabling simple, low-cost connections to multitude devices and helping to make 2013 the year in which the internet of everything will reach an inflection point and starts to become a reality. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee are few of the technologies which will enable growth in ICs market. Further, proprietary SRW, cellular, white space, and fixed communication technologies, will also contribute to the growth of the market.
