The Thread Group has announced its intention to expand the Thread networking protocol beyond the connected home and into the commercial building and professional sectors. It will continue to drive adoption for the connected home, and leverage the technology for commercial buildings.

Earth Networks has announced the launch of its Connected Savings^SM platform to provide consumers with energy savings and comfort by delivering energy intelligence through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT)-connected smart home devices, weather data, and algorithms.

ecobee Inc. has announced the launch of its ecobee3 lite smart thermostat. The company said the new device is designed to deliver superior comfort, control, and energy savings at a lower cost. The thermostat will be available for purchase across North America on Oct. 31, 2016.

The Thread Group and EEBus Initiative e.V announced that the two alliances will collaborate in their efforts to build interoperable solutions for the smart home. As a result of this alliance, the organizations expect their members will benefit from access to key shared resources.

Smart home firm, Nexia™, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, announced it has enhanced the convenience of its smart home system by adding geo-fencing. The feature gives subscribers easier, more seamless control, such as automatically adjusting the thermostat when they leave for work and when they head home.

The global ZigBee home automation market is forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26 percent from 2016 to 2020, according to a report from Sandler Research.

The smart home market continues to expand, with 47 million connected smart home devices shipped globally in 2015. The market is projected to broaden substantially at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 60 percent, reaching 477 million devices in 2020, according to IHS Markit.