Surging tablet and laptop sales drive Bluetooth peripherals growth
The explosion in tablet sales and continued growth in laptop sales is sparking demand for more Bluetooth enabled keyboards, speakers, stereo headphones, and other wireless computer accessories.
In the tablet market, Bluetooth keyboards that fold up into a case or tablet stand are especially hot, since they let people travel with their tablet and get more work done with them, turning a tablet into more of a full-featured computer. Many people who don't want a case or stand are adding slim, lightweight Bluetooth keyboards to their tablet, making it easier to type.
Manufacturers are excited about these and other Bluetooth accessories because tablets are such a hot growth market, and virtually all tablets come with integrated Bluetooth technology.
"Tablet sales will approach 250 million units by 2017 (virtually all with Bluetooth technology)"
- InStat
DigiTimes predicts that Apple iPad shipments will more than double from an estimated 36 million this year to 55 million in 2012, while shipments of Android tablets will nearly triple from 20 million this year to 45 million in 2012.
Despite skyrocketing tablet sales, laptop market also continues to grow
Laptop sales also continue to grow, from 227 million laptop PCs sold this year to 369 million in 2015, according to research firm ETForecasts. Most laptops come with integrated Bluetooth technology.
Because laptops still out-sell tablets by a wide margin, there are more laptops than tablets able to connect with Bluetooth accessories.
Most laptops and tablets have weak speakers with poor sound, so people shop for Bluetooth speakers or headphones to enhance their mobile computing experience. Laptop users also like to move around their home and continue listening to music, without the hassle of speaker wires or headphone cords.
Because laptop and tablet users also like the freedom to print from anywhere in their home or office, sales of Bluetooth enabled printers also continue to grow.
PCs becoming vital information gathering hubs
Computers of all types – laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs – will play an increasingly important role as information gathering "hubs" for Bluetooth enabled sensors. They will collect information from a wave of tiny, wireless sensors enabled by Bluetooth v4.0 coming in the sports & fitness and health & wellness markets.
In the sports & fitness market, computers will collect exercise data from heart-rate monitors, foot pods, sports watches, cycling computers and other fitness devices.
After the information has been collected in a PC or tablet, applications can process and analyze it, letting people examine their workouts in detail and learn about their fitness. Then they can securely share it online with friends, family, or whoever they want.
In the health & wellness market, computers will collect data from new medical devices such as wireless blood-glucose monitors, weight scales, and blood-pressure monitors, as well as tiny health sensors people will wear on their body.
Once the information has been collected in a PC or tablet, applications can process and analyze it, letting people learn more about their health and securely share the information with their doctor or health care provider. Some Bluetooth devices will also alert medical staff if there is an emergency.
All these Bluetooth enabled sensors and devices will create opportunities for software makers in addition to electronics manufacturers. Demand will rise for applications that can analyze and process health, fitness, and medical information, and help people securely share it online.
How to profit from this market
The Bluetooth SIG can help your company benefit from opportunities in the PC & peripherals market. Get started by joining the Bluetooth SIG community. We have more than 15,000 member companies worldwide making everything from cars and computers to mobile phones and microchips. To learn more, visit our membership page.