5.1 Bluetooth Technology

The phenomenal growth of Bluetooth short range wireless technology continues with estimates of 100% market growth from 2004 to 2005 when more than 275 million were reported to have been shipped. This networking standard, which was named after a 10th century Danish king, Harald Bluetooth Gormson, allows personal computers, laptops, handheld computers, mobile phones, printers and other electronic controlled products to communicate with each other by means of radio links of up to ten metres. Three classes of radio performance are available:

• Class 1 with a maximum output power of 100 mW and a working distance of 100 metres.

• Class 2 with an output of 2.5 mW and a working distance of 10 metres.

• Class 3 with an output of 1.0 mW and a working distance of 1 metre.

No interconnecting cables are needed.

The Bluetooth technology also allows domestic appliances, home heating and other systems to be included thus permitting the coordinated control of everything electrical within the home from a personal digital assistant (PDA) which also combines the functions of calendar and address book.

The UK Cambridge Silicon Radio company (CSR) is a world leading, provider of the technology and shipped 150 million units in 2005 with electronics company users including Apple, Dell, Nokia, Panasonic and Sony. Growth markets include voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) telecommunications application, stereo headphones and automotive hands-free mobile phone applications and other uses where Ford, Nissan, Renault and Toyota are reported to be interested.

5.2 Organic and Other Polymer Developments

Environmental concerns...