The world is moving beyond standalone networks, systems, and devices into a new era in which virtually everything of value is connected. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to this concept of connectivity in which real-world “things” (electronics, equipment, appliances, and other assets) communicate with each other and also with computing resources for purposes of monitoring, recording, and controlling things.

Here's an overview of the latest market research blog posts written by a variety of expert industry analysts.

This week, we cover new developments in higher education, medical devices, food & beverage, and more.

The electronics industry is extremely dynamic as technologies, materials, and business models are continuously restructured to meet evolving consumer demand. The demand for miniaturized (i.e., smaller, lighter, and thinner electronics products), improved connectivity and computing power, faster data speeds, and most importantly, sustainability, is encouraging innovations in this industry.

Read the latest market news and analysis on meal kits, probiotics, clothing trends, transmission technology, pricing for lab tests, wine caps and closures, and recreational oxygen use.

We also include new information on China's outlook in the midst of the upcoming 19th Party Congress, a major event that will set China's policy direction. 

With 2018 approaching, businesses need to prepare for a series of significant changes to the market environment in China — specifically related to the Party’s upcoming 19^th Party Congress and ambitious urbanization plans (that will redefine where businesses across industries operate in the country).

Consumer oxygen is used by football players and movie stars. Professional athletes generally use supplemental recreational oxygen to help recover from stress in the body due to exertion.

The oxygen seems to help recovery, give more stamina, and provide an energy boost when needed. You see football players use it on the bench in between stints on the field. 

Check out our curated list of blog posts that highlights the latest market research and industry news. This week, we feature articles on construction & building products, textiles, diagnostics, education, food & beverage, and software.

The global fingerprint sensors market is expected to hit $12.82 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 15.7%, according to a new market research report by BIS Research titled Global Fingerprint Sensors Market, Analysis, and Forecast 2017-2023. The massive proliferation of smartphones on a global scale, the increasing adoption of biometrics by various governments and law enforcement agencies, and the provision of second or third level security with the fingerprint authentication devices are driving the tremendous growth of the market.

Cloud computing allows end-users to utilize a network of remote servers hosted over the internet to store, manage, and process data instead of relying on a local server or system. With the emergence of cloud-based technologies, the retail industry has undergone tremendous transformation.

Augmented reality is getting a huge market thrust from Apple and Google after its initial success with Pokemon GO. Google and Apple are using augmented reality (AR) in their new devices and have embedded AR into current online software.

Augmented reality markets are positioned to further modify consumer thinking and consumer behavior, create new user experiences, and generate thousands of opportunities for businesses to reach potential customers in a more immediate manner than is now possible.