Internet-connected device market set for record year

Biggest hike in global production since end of recession in 2010, according to analyst IHS

The market for internet-connected devices is set to surge past six billion units in 2014, according to data from analyst IHS Technology.

Global production of connected equipment, including mobile phones, tablets and computers, will reach 6.18 billion units this year, up six per cent from 5.82 billion in 2013, marking the largest increase in four years.

Previously the biggest hike was 10 per cent in 2010, a year after the global recession came to an end, the analyst said.

IHS predicted production growth will then slow in the ensuing years, but it said about 19.42 billion new devices will "flood the planet" between 2015 and 2017.

Jagdish Rebello, senior director for IT at IHS, said: "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.

“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.”

Breaking down the technology, IHS said the devices likely to see growth in production included video game consoles, media tablets, mobile handsets, LCD TVs, set-top boxes and mobile PCs.

Those set to decline are digital still cameras, camcorders, desktop PCs, DVD players and portable media players.