Overview
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® highlights the top-ten emerging technology trends from U.S. Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts.
According to CTA’s latest edition of the U.S. Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts report, the total retail value of the consumer technology industry will reach $422 billion this year.
The report covers hundreds of tech products, but in each edition, CTA highlights the newest products that are pushing revenues higher.
Here are the top 10 emerging technologies that shed light on trends that we’ll see in the coming years.
5G Smartphones
The highly anticipated fifth generation of wireless connectivity is finally here, and 2020 will be a breakout year for 5G-enabled smartphones. This will be the first year that U.S. wireless customers enjoy the speed and low latency of 5G on a large scale, with 20 million units expected to ship.
This is just the beginning, however; expect to see 5G in-home broadband service, vehicles, wearables and computing devices.
Wireless Earbuds
Wireless earbuds had a phenomenal year in 2019, largely in part to the popularity of true wireless models. This coming year, wireless earbuds are expected to generate $8.2 billion in revenues (31% growth), which is indicative of a broader trend in the headphone/earbud category. This coming year will be the first time more than half of headphones and earbuds will be wireless.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers, including smart displays like the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Show, are one of the central features of the smart home. Their digital assistants and their connectivity to streaming services and apps are keeping them popular, to the tune of $4.2 billion in revenues in 2020.
Smart Home Security and Monitoring Systems
Home security is a major selling point for many smart home devices. Comprehensive DIY home security and monitoring kits are convenient solutions for homeowners who want some peace of mind while they are out of the house.
Whole Home Wi-Fi
With smart home products abounding, whole home Wi-Fi (a.k.a. mesh Wi-Fi) routers offer a better way to extend your wireless network and help optimize traffic on a network with numerous active devices. Whole home Wi-Fi systems will reach revenues of $1.1 billion in 2020.
Wireless Charging Pads
Smartphones and other mobile devices increasingly include the ability to be charged wirelessly, which presents a $1 billion opportunity in the wireless accessory segment. Wireless charging pads are helping to reduce the clutter of cables in our offices and homes by eliminating the need for extra charging cords.
Smart Doorbells
One of the more popular smart home items are smart doorbells, which have gained fame for busting porch pirates and other criminals in the act. But they are also useful for answering the door when you are away from home. Manufacturers will ship 4.9 million smart doorbells to the U.S. this year.
Connected Health Monitoring Devices
Devices that measure our vital signs are increasingly becoming app-connected, making it easier for people to track their health over time and to share that information with doctors.
CTA predicts that the market for connected health monitors that measure blood pressure, blood glucose, blood oxygen, body temperature and other vital signs will generate $531 million in revenue 2020, up 46% over 2019.
5G Home Gateways
Wireless providers will be making a play in the home broadband market, and 5G home gateways will be a major part of that rollout. Home 5G trials have been launched in select cities, with more expected in 2020.
Pet Tech
Look no further than your social media feed to understand the potential for pet-related tech. Americans own millions of cats and dogs, and they spend billions on their pets each year.
Pet tech such as connected collars, automated feeders, connected pet toys and tracking devices are tapping into the pet market, representing a $400 million opportunity this year.
Understand more upcoming tech trends with the full U.S. Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts report.