SCOTTSDALE :—Already dominant in mobile phones, Bluetooth technology will maintain its control in the communications segment while making significant gains in mobile PCs and, as a result of adoption of Bluetooth Low Energy, in industrial/medical and consumer segments.  The 2009 economic downturn resulted  in a reduction in the total number of Bluetooth-enabled device shipments.  However,  shipments of Bluetooth-enabled devices will grow to over 2 billion in 2013, says In-Stat (www.in-stat.com).
“Even though there are competing technologies to Bluetooth, the fact that its core business is mobile phones means that the technology will continue to roll out over time in large volumes,” says Brian O’Rourke, Principal Analyst.  “With the adoption of wireless connectivity by additional market segments such as PCs, automotive, and the growing industrial & medical markets, the long term projections for the technology  remain very positive.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Classic Bluetooth technology will remain dominant in phones indefinitely.
• Bluetooth 3.0, a new high-speed standard that combines Bluetooth with Wi-Fi, entered into the market in mobile phones in 2010.
• PMPs, game consoles, and game controllers are the main drivers of CE growth.
• Bluetooth in autos becoming common in mid-size sedans that are the sweet spot of automotive market.
• Industrial/medical growth will be driven by Bluetooth Low Energy.