Futuresource Consulting reports networked home audio devices will "rocket" by 2016, with dedicated speaker docks and networked speakers leading the global market.

According to the analyst the WW total 2011 home audio market grew by 7% Y-o-Y in 2011 to reach $9.7 billion-- and 2012 should see 9% growth in both shipments and value.

Sales drivers include multi-room audio and Bluetooth/Airplay-powered streaming from smartphones and the internet.

Networking features will help reinvigorate a mature speaker dock segment, pushing demand to around 40 million units in 2012 and 48m by 2016. The dedicated audio product market will also retain relevance thanks to networking.

The global soundbar market will also grow in 2012-- 3.4m units with 54% Y-o-Y growth, before reaching 7m units in 2016.

Go Networking is Biggest Growth Area in Home Audio Market (Futuresource)