Already dominant in mobile phones, Bluetooth technology will maintain its control in the communications segment while making significant gains in mobile PCs and, as a result of adoption of Bluetooth Low Energy, in industrial/medical and consumer segments, according to industry analysts from In-Stat. 

“Even though there are competing technologies to Bluetooth, the fact that its core business is mobile phones means that the technology will continue to roll out over time in large volumes," said Brian O’Rourke, a principal analyst at In-Stat. 

The 2009 economic downturn resulted  in a reduction in the total number of Bluetooth-enabled device shipments.  However,  shipments of Bluetooth-enabled devices will grow to over 2 billion in 2013, according to the market tracking firm. Classic Bluetooth technology will remain dominant in phones indefinitely. It is hard to say how rapid will be adoption of Bluetooth 3.0, a new high-speed standard that combines Bluetooth with Wi-Fi, but the fact that it has already entered into the market in mobile phones in 2010 causes optimism.

“With the adoption of wireless connectivity by additional market segments such as PCs, automotive, and the growing industrial & medical markets, the long term projections for the technology  remain very positive," added the analyst.

According to a recent report from In-Stat, Bluetooth in cars is becoming common in mid-size sedans that are the sweet spot of automotive market, which will drive growth of the technology not only in cars, but in supporting equipment as well. Besides, industrial/medical growth will be driven by Bluetooth Low Energy.

Tags: Bluetooth