Date: 22/08/2011

2 billion Bluetooth-enabled devices expected to be shipped in 2013

In-Stat research has forecasted Bluetooth-enabled device shipments to exceed 2 billion in 2013.

"Bluetooth continues to gain design wins over a wide range of applications, with Bluetooth device shipments increasing by 23% between 2009 and 2010," says Brian O'Rourke, Research Director. "Bluetooth has been bolstered in the past year by the emergence of two new standards. Bluetooth 3.0 + High Speed (HS) combines classic Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit large data files and Bluetooth 4.0, which offers much lower power consumption than classic Bluetooth and targets medical and fitness devices, as well as PCs and mobile phones."

Other details from the report include:
Classic Bluetooth will remain the leading BT interface throughout the forecast period.
Bluetooth 3.0 + High Speed is a software-only solution that allows Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to work together.
Bluetooth 4.0 primarily targets new BT markets: medical, fitness, and security devices.
Bluetooth 4.0 + High Speed option expected to hit the market in mobile phones by the end of 2011.
Automotive BT now common option in mid-priced sedans.