Google Boosts Set-Top, Dongle Markets

According to ABI Research, the smart set-top box and dongle market is expected to pass 18 million units in 2013 - higher than originally forecast because of the arrival of Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Chromecast device. Overall, the market is expected to grow with a 10.8% CAGR (2013 to 2018) with less saturated and developing (from connected and OTT perspective) markets like Asia-Pacific and Latin America helping drive the growth.ABI Senior Analyst Michael Inouye wrote: "Despite stiff competition from a range of connected CE devices, the smart set-top box and dongle market offers an equally compelling user experience often at significantly lower price points. Google's Chromecast device in particular sets a new low price bar for the connected CE market and as more applications are added to its library its value to price ratio will continue to grow."