According to ABI Research, the mobile Internet devices (MIDs) market encompassing “always-on” Web browsing, photography and video, navigation, games, social networking, and voice communications, is forecast to grow 167% over the next five years.

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Alternate MAC PHY (AMP)products are in the works as well. The first expected to hit the market is the Bluetooth over 902.11 AMP, which involves a software addition that will allow the devices’ Bluetooth circuits to piggyback on its much faster Wi-Fi connection when its necessary to transmit large amounts of data. Then, of course, there’s ultra-wideband (UWB). “Ultra-wideband offers an ‘on steroids’ version of Bluetooth,” says McEuen. “Today it is just a wireless USB replacement, but the chips are getting smaller and more powerful and they are aiming for the portable device market. In a few years, it can be really useful in the MID market.”

“All mobile Internet devices will feature Wi-Fi from the start,” says ABI Research senior analyst Douglas McEuen. “That is the essential form of wireless connectivity that no [mobile Internet device] will be without. But in addition, ABI Research expects to see Bluetooth reach a 95% penetration rate by the end of 2008.”

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