The market for devices equipped with Bluetooth short-range wireless technology is experiencing a continued period of significant growth, industry watchers have reported.

According to IMS Research, Bluetooth shipment figures have broken the three million units per week barrier for the first time, representing a rapid increase from two million devices per week three months ago.

Bluetooth chipset revenue is expected to approach $1.7bn by 2008.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), a trade association responsible for the development of the technology, attributed increased adoption to improved interoperability in second- and third-generation products, as well as hands-free in-car wireless headsets which have increased consumer awareness and demand.

Dr Michael Foley, executive and technical director at the Bluetooth SIG, said in a statement: "Bluetooth technology will capture new markets and stay ahead of emerging wireless technologies by continually adapting and improving the specification in areas of power, performance, security and quality of service, among others.

"Through co-operation and competition between our members, Bluetooth will deliver on the ever-increasing needs of the consumer electronics and IT markets."