According to ABI Research, there is a large demand for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chipsets—made evident by ABI’s estimated 30 million BLEs to be shipped to markets in 2010. This chipset will extend functionality in handsets to remote control, body monitoring, PC peripheral connectivity, and other functions as well.

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BLEs will be incorporated in Bluetooth ICs at a relatively minimal cost to vendors, which are key components to its survival in the market. “BLE will see extremely rapid and widespread adoption because it combines with an established technology and supports a new generation of applications and connectivity for mobile handsets around the world,” says ABI Research principal analyst Jonathan Collins.

“BLE offers significant potential for a range of industries and technology players to benefit from its installation in mobile handsets,” Collins notes, “but its success is not a fait accompli. Without a broad and thorough understanding of the ecosystem required to support BLE adoption, and the application and market environment within which BLE will have to compete, some of that potential could be lost.” ABI has put together a study on Bluetooth technology, titled “Low Energy Bluetooth,” which examines the potential of BLEs in regards to functionality, applications suitability, market positioning, and potential acceptance.