Connected devices coupled with internet radio are predicted to fuel a boom in multi-room networked audio, according to new statistics from Futuresource Consulting.

David Watkins, senior market analyst at Futuresource, said the UK and US markets are shaping up for a networked audio revolution sparked off by consumers.

Futuresource forecasts show that internet radio sales will grow from 500,000 units worldwide to five million units by 2013. And where consumers go, businesses will likely follow.

“Networking solutions are on the brink of revitalising markets for home audio products,” he said. “Consumers already own devices that can access internet music, such as PCs and personal media players, although the unique selling point for embedded internet radio is convenience and immediacy.”

He said there were many potential applications for networked audio, including connecting a laptop to speakers wirelessly or theatre systems delivering audio from a remote PC.