Devices featuring embedded wireless local area networking technology (WLAN) will continue to grow in popularity this year, with shipments expected to soar past the one billion mark.
Research by IHS iSuppli suggests some 1.2 billion consumer electronics and other products with built-in WLAN functionality will ship in 2011 - an increase of more than a third (35.8 per cent) compared with 2010's figures.
Embedded WLAN connectivity has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity, growing from just one per cent penetration back in 2002.
This growth will continue over the next few years, rising to more than two billion shipments in 2015, according to the research firm.
"In today's world of connected electronics, consumers expect seamless access to internet communications, services and content in any place and at any time," said Dr Jagdish Rebello, senior director and principal analyst for communications and consumer electronics at IHS.
"From sharing Facebook news on their iPads, to viewing Hulu programs on their flat-panel TVs, to streaming audio and video in cars with their automotive infotainment systems, consumers depend on built-in WLAN technology to get the most out of their electronic products. Because of this, embedded WLAN is becoming the norm for all kinds of devices."
Indeed, such connectivity is now the norm in a number of product categories, with media tablets and handheld video games consoles expected to reach 100 per cent penetration. Mobile PCs are expected to reach 100 per cent penetration soon.
Mobile phones have thus far dominated embedded WLAN device shipments, with more than 500 million units, closely followed by mobile PCs with more than 230 million units shipped.
