Stereo headsets and speakerphones with Bluetooth® wireless technology continue to outperform mono headsets in terms of market growth. GN Netcom has an exciting portfolio within these two product categories and is already claiming its share of the two markets
Since 2008, the economic crisis has led to a general decline in consumer spending which naturally also has affected headset sales. However, in the Bluetooth wireless technology headset market, stereo headsets seem to be ignoring this trend, as witnessed by the 15% growth rate during 2008 to almost 4 million units.
Anne R. Rasmussen, Vice President of the Mobile division, says:
“I believe that the mobile industry is becoming more confident about the prospects for stereo headsets with Bluetooth wireless technology, because the greater use of music-enabled mobile handsets such as iPhones has become a key market driver. To meet the growing demand we have launched the remarkable Jabra HALO which is our sixth generation stereo headset, leveraging on our solid experience within this category.”
And the future looks even more promising with triple-digit growth rates forecast until 2014 supported by a surge in sales of mobile phones with Bluetooth Stereo (A2DP).
Speakerphone demand driven by legislation
Stereo headsets are not the only products facing growing demand; sales in the speakerphone category are also gaining momentum, fuelled by the large number of European countries and US states that have introduced legislation against driving while using a handheld mobile phone.
“We have been making car speakerphones since 2005 and we have an exciting portfolio of products at different price points. Our latest launch, the Jabra CRUISER, which is the only speakerphone with dual- microphone technology, demonstrates our strong position in this category which is currently experiencing double-digit growth,” says Anne R. Rasmussen.
Both in terms of units sold and value, the speakerphone category is outgrowing mono headsets and now makes up 20% of the mobile headset market. And sizable growth is expected going forward.
Mono headsets still the largest category
Despite the growing demand for stereo headsets and speakerphones, mono headsets is still the largest category, so having a presence here is important, too. However, whereas selling prices for mono headsets have come under pressure, stereo headsets and speakerphones are not exposed to same level of price sensitivity.
“Our strategy is to maintain our position in the mono headset category which still accounts for 50% of the mobile headset market value, but at the same time we want to strengthen our position in the growing stereo and speakerphone segments,” says Anne R. Rasmussen.
The general market for headsets with Bluetooth wireless technology is still very underdeveloped globally with only 6% of Bluetooth wireless technology enabled handsets being sold with a Bluetooth headset and as such the market has great long-term growth potential. Supported by the stricter driving laws, lower retail prices and improved wireless usability for voice and audio, the key drivers for growth remain in place and these trends should continue to favorably support the market.
Read more about Jabra HALO and Jabra CRUISER.