Bluetooth adoption set for continued expansion: Research firm finds stereo applications set for growth

Bluetooth technology has largely replaced wired headsets and is now making inroads in new markets, according to a report from IMS Research.
The emergence of the A2DP profile, which allows stereo sound to be transmitted over Bluetooth connections, has created several new opportunities for Bluetooth to replace wired products for music on the phone, music on MP3 players and audio on portable DVD players, notebook PCs and gaming equipment.
“Many consumers, even beyond early adopters, enjoy high-tech solutions and wireless is a natural progression from wired,” said Filomena Berardi, author of the report. “This mirrors a trend seen throughout the consumer electronics industry, for example using Wi-Fi for Internet connection. So many in the industry are optimistic this will pan out in the stereo headset market.”
The firm said more than 6 million Bluetooth stereo headsets shipped last year, and about 85% of all Bluetooth-enabled handsets sold in 2008 included A2DP.