OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-Despite continued concern over the future of the short-range wireless technology, Bluetooth technology shipments have increased from more than 2 million per week several months ago to more than 3 million per week currently, according to IMS Research.
The news follows Bluetooth originator L.M. Ericsson’s announcement late last month that it was reducing its interest in continued development of the technology, citing the mature and increasingly competitive state of the industry.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, which is the trade association responsible for the development of the technology, attributed the increased shipments to improved interoperability in second- and third-generation products as well as new applications, including hands-free integration from an increasing number of automotive manufacturers.
“Bluetooth technology has allowed Toyota to offer an integrated hands-free calling solution at a much lower price than ever before,” explained John McLaughlin, national manager of Toyota’s Net Car Team. “Prior to Bluetooth technology, an integrated system would cost well over $1,500 and would require dealer installation. Now we offer Bluetooth technology as part of our navigation system at no extra cost to our customers.”
The Bluetooth SIG said it expects the Enhanced Data Rate specification for the technology providing higher throughput and greater security to be ratified by the organization’s board of directors, and it plans to release a technology roadmap for the coming years later this year.
