Just a few years ago, before Google purchased Nest for $3.2 billion, Apple was one of the first outlets to sell the learning thermostat. The device was created by former Apple engineers, who made use of the company's simple and user-friendly design philosophy.

But much has changed since Nest hit store shelves in 2011. The smart home sector is finally becoming a market -- largely driven by thermostats. Last year, more than one-third of broadband households said they plan on buying a smart-home device, according to Parks Associates. Intelligent two-way digital thermostats will make up more than half of all thermostat sales by 2016.

A wide variety of companies are looking to cash in on this burgeoning market, including energy providers, telecoms, internet providers and technology companies. For now, the technology landscape is still scattered. Many products are still seeking Apple's certification to be labeled "Works With HomeKit" and "Works With Nest."

From the article "Apple Will No Longer Sell Nest Thermostats" by Katherine Tweed.

Next: Alarm.com Builds Its Own Smart Thermostat
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