| Forecasts for Bluetooth wireless technology
unit growth have varied significantly over the last few years,
but analysts are united in predicting extra-ordinary growth over
the next few years. In 2001 it was reported 7.2 million units of
Baseband/RF solutions were shipped. In 2002 it is expected to finish
5 times on the previous year at around 35Mu. Quite a staggering
growth rate, but nothing in comparison to the expected volume in
the coming years. Best estimates for 2003 are that between 130
million and 150 million solutions will be served. Mobile phone
and PC full adoption of Bluetooth technology will sky rocket sales
alone, but with the multitude of all the other possible applications
there is almost no limit. Indeed by 2006 it is predicted shipments
will surpass one billion units per year.
There are now well over 450 Bluetooth technology qualified end
products on the market. The share of qualified products to the
Bluetooth wireless specification v.1.1 is particularly interesting
with CSR (Cambridge Silicon Radio) proving to be the preferred
chip supplier, with 6 times as many customers as their nearest
competitor.
|
