New features driving wireless chip revenues

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Cellular handsets continue to enjoy significant sales growth, with total revenue in 2007 from handset semiconductors to exceed $31 billion worldwide, according to the high-tech market research firm In-Stat. An In-Stat consumer survey released Wednesday also shows that one of the more popular cell phone features is Bluetooth, with users across the board requesting it. “The features that appear in cellular handsets are an interesting mix of consumer wants, cellular operator revenue opportunities, and semiconductor manufacturing abilities,” said In-Stat analyst Allen Nogee. “If a feature is fairly expensive to produce, a handset manufacturer may include it in...