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Apple: The future of home tech
iHouse is on the way, says Forrester

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Thursday 22 May 2008

Apple will dominate the digital home by 2013 with its range of existing and new products and services that will be networked together.

That's according to a report from analyst house Forrester Research, which predicts Apple's product strategy will promote the linking up of digital content, PCs, TV and stereo.

Existing Apple products such as the Mac, Apple TV, Apple Store and iTunes will combine with new products such as an Apple home server, network-enabled devices and home installation service, says Forrester.

This Apple revolution will pose a threat to a range of companies, including HP and Microsoft as well as consumer electronics manufacturers such as LG and Sony.

Service providers, such as ISPs and broadcasters could also be affected by this development.

Forrester Research principal analyst, JP Gownder, admitted that the analyst house doesn't have inside knowledge of Apple's product roadmap but said it's "highly likely" this development will take place.

But Apple will also face challenges, such as competition for home installation services as well as the company's commitment to closed systems which makes it harder to make products from other companies compatible.