Bluetooth device maker Jabra strengthening cooperation with RIM, HTC and Asustek, company executive says

GN Netcom, which markets Jabra-branded Bluethooth devices, has stepped up its cooperation with smartphone vendors including RIM (Research in Motion), HTC (High Tech Computer) and Asustek Computer, in addition to producing stereo headsets supporting iPhones, according to Leon Li, regional managing director, APAC, mobile at GN Netcom.

GN has produced a Bluetooth headset for HTC for global sales on an OEM basis, and also cooperated with Dopod in the China market on bundled sales, Li noted.

In addition, GN and Asustek are cooperating in regional bundled sales with the scope of the cooperation extending from handsets to PC systems, Li added.

The penetration rate of Bluetooth headsets in the global headset market currently averages 9% worldwide, but is up to 20% in the US market, Li said citing data compiled by GN.

However, demand for high-end stereo Bluetooth headsets in the Asia-Pacific region is higher than that in the US and Europe as consumers in Asia are more apt to use handsets as multimedia players, Li asserted.