| According to IMS Research, Bluetooth technology
shipment figures now exceed three million units per week. This news comes
just three months after the technology met the two million units per week
milestone. This shows that the Bluetooth market is experiencing a continued
period of significant growth.
Bluetooth wireless technology is supported and used in products
by over 3,000 companies including BMW, IBM, HP, Logitech, Microsoft, Motorola,
Nokia, PalmOne, Sony Ericsson and Toyota . This month (September), Ford
selected the US carrier Sprint to provide Bluetooth enabled phones to
work with hands-free systems in its North American cars.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the trade association responsible
for the development of the short-range wireless technology, attributes
increased Bluetooth technology adoption to improved interoperability in
second and third generation products as well as innovative applications
such as hands-free in the car and wireless headsets that have increased
consumer awareness and demand.
"Bluetooth technology has allowed Toyota to offer an integrated hands-free
calling solution at a much lower price than ever before. Prior to Bluetooth
technology, an integrated system would cost well over $1500 and would
require dealer installation. Now we offer Bluetooth technology as part
of our navigation system at no extra cost to our customers. We plan to
expand the number of vehicles with Bluetooth technology in the future,"
said John McLaughlin, national manager, Net Car Team, Toyota.
"We've experienced great success with our Bluetooth headsets in Europe
, and now they're rapidly gaining traction in the US market as well,"
said Beth Johnson, senior director of product marketing, Plantronics.
"More people are realising the benefits of wireless freedom in the
office and on the road, and they recognize Bluetooth technology as a great
way to achieve that mobility. As mainstream Bluetooth adoption continues,
we'll see the emergence of a truly wireless lifestyle enabled by innovative,
stylish products."
"Bluetooth technology will capture new markets and stay ahead of
emerging wireless technologies by continually adapting and improving the
specification in areas of power, performance, security and quality of
service, among others. Through co-operation and competition between our
members, Bluetooth technology will deliver on the ever-increasing needs
of the consumer electronics and IT markets," said Dr Michael Foley,
executive and technical director for the Bluetooth SIG.
"Despite initial challenges in the face of public opinion, Bluetooth
technology is gaining momentum throughout the world of mobile devices.
As education, awareness, and solutions improve, Bluetooth technology will
quickly find broad acceptance from vendors and users alike," said
Alex Slawsby, IDC, senior analyst, Mobile Devices.
Joyce Putscher of In-Stat/MDR reported that "Bluetooth chipset revenue
in 2004 is expected to approach $1bn in 2005, rising to a forecasted $1.7bn
by 2008."
"CSR's Bluetooth chipset revenues reflect that optimism is well-founded,
coming in at $95mn for the first six months of 2004, versus $67mn for
the entire calendar year of 2003. In August, 2004 CSR shipped its 50 millionth
Bluetooth chip," said Eric Janson, vice president, CSR North America.
Later this year, the Bluetooth SIG expects the latest version of the specification
to date, Enhanced Data Rate, to be ratified by the organisation's board
of directors. Enhanced Data Rate will speed file transfers and open doors
for the technology in new markets including imaging and high-fidelity
audio. The SIG is currently outlining technology enhancements for
the coming years, and plans to release this roadmap in Q4 2004.
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