New figures from ABI Research show there are more than 10 billion devices with wireless connections today. This figure is expected to treble in the next seven years, reaching over 30 billion devices by 2020. In contrast, the world’s population is currently estimated to be around 7 billion people.
The devices are expected to connect to the Internet of Things - also referred to as the Internet of Everything (IoE) - using technologies including Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee, RFID and cellular mobile data.
Peter Cooney, practice director at ABI Research, said “The emergence of standardized ultra-low power wireless technologies is one of the main enablers of the IoE, with semiconductor vendors and standards bodies at the forefront of the market push, helping to bring the IoE into reality. The year 2013 is seen by many as the year of the Internet of Everything, but it will still be many years until it reaches its full potential. The next 5 years will be pivotal in its growth and establishment as a tangible concept to the consumer. Today, Hub devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are pivotal in enabling the IoE ecosystem and will continue to be an essential building block. Future growth, however, is driven by node or sensor type devices and by 2020 these will account for 60% of the total installed base of devices.”