As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, we are monitoring the electronics industry and posting about important news. This week, we update you about a likely recovery for the smarthome device market, new wireless sensor network technology, and the countries that top the cyber-attack list. Here’s your weekly news update.   

Smarthome Device Market Poised to Bounce Back

The smarthome device market took a hit in 2020 because of the COVID-19 crisis, but according to a new Strategy Analytics report, the market will likely improve in 2021. "The market will recover in 2021, and consumer spending will increase in 2021 to $62 billion," the firm reports. It forecasts "growth at a 15% CAGR, reaching $88 billion in 2025."

A Wireless Sensor Network to Measure Crowd Density

Antwerp-based CrowdScan recently launched a privacy-friendly wireless sensor network (WSN) for measuring crowd density. Developed by the University of Antwerp and imec, the system “transmits low-energy radio waves (868 MHz) and measures how much the signal attenuates in a crowded environment compared to an empty one.” The wireless sensor network doesn’t acquire or process phone data, photos, or other sensitive information.

The United States Tops Cyber-Attack List

Curious which countries have been hit with the most significant cyber-attacks since 2006? Specops Software reports that, between May 2006 and June 2020, the United States experienced 156 significant attacks. The United Kingdom came next with 47 attacks, while India  23 logged attacks followed by Germany with 21 significant attacks. The company reports that the most common attacks were DOS, SQL injection, man-in-the-middle, and phishing.

NASA Eyes Halloween 2021 for Webb Launch

NASA announced it is postponing the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope until October 31, 2021. It cites the COVID-19 pandemic and technical issues as key factors for the change. "The factors contributing to the decision to move the launch date include the impacts of augmented safety precautions, reduced on-site personnel, disruption to shift work, and other technical challenges. Webb will use existing program funding to stay within its $8.8 billion development cost cap," NASA reported. Webb will be the most powerful telescope ever launched into space.

Updates on the Smarthome Device Market and More

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