Bluetooth Skyrockets

Strategy Analytics: Global. The market for Bluetooth-enabled devices grew to more than 272 million units in 2005, twice the number of units shipped globally in 2004. To date, Bluetooth for hands-free cellphones has driven the adoption of Bluetooth. In the future, more users are expected to want Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and headphones for listening to high quality stereo music.

Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) has maintained a strong lead in the Bluetooth chip market by aggressively reducing cost, power consumption, and footprint, while increasing data rates and adding features to its chips. This has allowed it to stay ahead of powerhouse competitors, including Texas Instruments and Broadcom."

CSR is well positioned to maintain market share in cellphones, headsets, notebooks, and automotive applications,. However, the anticipated marriage of Bluetooth with ultra wideband (UWB) could move the advantage to Freescale, Texas Instruments and other UWB players in emerging high data rate applications, such as short-range, wireless streaming video. Bluetooth Doubles: CSR Still Gaining Momentum. Publ 20060112