The biggest changes in the way wireless devices operate will come when a common data exchange method is developed, an expert has predicted.

Andrew Ferguson, editor of information resource thinkbroadband, explained that when this happens, gadgets and devices from a variety of developers will be able to interact with one another and share information.

However, he said that concerns over energy efficiency could put people off using such technology when it becomes available.

"Electricity is going up in price which means people may in time be reluctant to add yet more always-on electrical devices to the home," Mr Ferguson explained.

Currently, wireless USB is the nearest thing to a completely-connected environment that consumers have available to them, he added.

Within the UK, take-up of broadband internet continues to grow.

Figures released by watchdog Ofcom have shown that penetration of the technology rose from seven per cent in 2002 to almost 60 per cent towards the end of last year.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent)