Wireless USB (WUSB) is currently hampered by the high price of the underlying UWB silicon, reports In-Stat. This is expected to limit its appeal until prices fall substantially, the high-tech market research firm says. Targeted at PCs, PC peripherals, consumer electronics (CE), and mobile phones, the first devices with WUSB technology shipped in 2007, including notebook PCs and hub and dongle solutions.

“The beginnings of a new wireless ecosystem have launched, and should lead to increased shipments in the years ahead,” says Brian O’Rourke, In-Stat analyst. “Ultimately, UWB and WUSB will succeed because they solve problems that no other technology can; the ability to transmit large amounts of data from one device to another with relative power efficiency.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

- Just under 100,000 WUSB devices shipped in 2007, a total that will surpass 190 million in 2012.
- Competition will come from other WiMedia-based standards, as well as technologies such as Wi-Fi.
- Notebook PCs will lead the adoption of WUSB.

The research,“Wireless USB 2008: The Journey Begins” (#IN0804104MI),covers the worldwide market for wireless USB. It tracks the market for WUSB in 22 different applications within four product segments: PCs, PC peripherals, consumer electronics, and communications. Annual penetration of WUSB in each of these applications is tracked annually through 2012. An annual WUSB chip solution ASP forecast through 2012 is also provided. Brief profiles of WUSB semiconductor and IP vendors are included.