The rapid growth of Web-enabled CE devices (forecast to reach 83.4mn by 2014) is building the foundations for a vibrant TV widget market around the world, according to a new report from In-Stat.

Most consumer electronics device manufacturers are believed to be introducing software platforms that support widgets, however the report states that there is currently only a "modest" consumer interest in performing PC-centric applications on the TV. Consumers are believed to have a higher interest in TV applications which enhance and/or augment the viewing experience, rather than simply providing information that is readily accessible on other screens.

"Consumers want more than simply displaying additional data on the TV screen, such as baseball statistics, consumers want new and unique TV functionality" said Keith Nissen, analyst at In-Stat.  "For example, there is strong interest for TV widgets that let the viewer control the camera angle being displayed on screen."

The study also predicts that by 2013, TV applications have the potential to generate over US$ 1.7bn in annual revenues globally.  Households with adults under 40 years of age are believed to have the highest interest in using TV widgets, while screen control, news and entertainment information have broad appeal across all age groups.  There is also "substantial interest" in TV widgets that enable local online purchases, such as pizza delivery and movie tickets.