According to IMS Research, Bluetooth technology shipment figures now exceed three million units per week. This news comes just three months after the technology met the two million units per week milestone. This shows that the Bluetooth market is experiencing a continued period of significant growth.

Bluetooth wireless technology is supported and used in products by over 3000 companies including BMW, IBM, HP, Logitech, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, PalmOne, Sony Ericsson and Toyota.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the trade association responsible for the development of the short-range wireless technology, attributes increased Bluetooth technology adoption to improved interoperability in second and third generation products as well as innovative applications such as hands-free in the automobile and wireless headsets that have increased consumer awareness and demand.

"Bluetooth technology has allowed Toyota to offer an integrated hands-free calling solution at a much lower price than ever before. Prior to Bluetooth technology, an integrated system would cost well over $1500 and would require dealer installation. Now we offer Bluetooth technology as part of our navigation system at no extra cost to our customers. We plan to expand the number of vehicles with Bluetooth technology in the future," said John McLaughlin, national manager, Net Car Team, Toyota.

"Despite initial challenges in the face of public opinion, Bluetooth technology is gaining momentum throughout the world of mobile devices. As education, awareness, and solutions improve, Bluetooth technology will quickly find broad acceptance from vendors and users alike," said Alex Slawsby, IDC, senior analyst, Mobile Devices.

Joyce Putscher of In-Stat/MDR reported that “Bluetooth chipset revenue in 2004 is expected to approach $1 billion in 2005, rising to a forecasted $1.7 billion by 2008.”

"CSR's Bluetooth chipset revenues reflect that optimism is well-founded, coming in at $95M for the first six months of 2004, versus $67M for the entire calendar year of 2003. In August of 2004, CSR shipped its 50 millionth Bluetooth chip," said Eric Janson, vice president, CSR North America.