The report lists ADT, AT&T, Comcast, Honeywell Total Connect and Verizon as key vendors.

Honeywell talks merger with United Technologies, then reportedly shops its Building Solutions unit. Tyco, Nortek and ADT, all giants in security and home automation, have also been active in M&A discussions and deals.

Argus Insights study shows that consumers are frustrated with the user experience of many entry-level home automation apps. ADT, Philips, Comcast and AT&T systems in particular are dissed, while Vivint and Honeywell gain better marks.

Leading security and home automation research and investment firm Imperial Capital highlights IoT products, trends and companies at CES 2016.

Founders of the high-end integration firm Xssentials are launching HAUS, a smart-home training and support program to help integrators run high-volume security and home automation businesses utilizing leading brands such as Savant and Sonos.