Aside from the news that Bluetooth is not above “borrowing” WiFi’s faster data transfer rates, the Special Interest Group(SIG) is keen to reassure that short-range, low-power and impromptu device connections are still its bread & butter.  Dubbing their approach the “Bluetooth Umbrella”, it’s the latest attempt to broaden the wireless standard’s range through technologies either developed in-house or adapted from other manufacturers.

“The umbrella approach will enable the mobile phone user to connect to the widest possible range of products using Bluetooth technology in dramatically new and unique ways made possible by our work with alternate radio solutions.  Heart rate monitors, pedometers, watches and television sets are only a few examples that soon can be connected via the already familiar Bluetooth technology, strengthening the role of the mobile phone as the personal device used at every occasion”Michael Foley, executive director, Bluetooth SIG

Near Field Communication (NFC), for instance, is included in the Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR standard, and uses ultra short-range wireless (literally a few centimetres) to transfer information between two devices.  The required proximity has meant that security demands - an issue when range is measured in metres - are less applicable, and so data can be transferred simply by holding the two devices together rather than traditionally pairing them.

Meanwhile, Nokia’s Wibree will soon be rolled out as an ultra low-power wireless standard ideal for embedded devices and gadgets with scant battery capacity.  The Bluetooth SIG expect watches, sports & fitness equipment and security devices to adopt the standard.

Celebrating its tenth birthday this year, Bluetooth has shipped in nearly two billion devices and over 10,000 companies are members of the SIG.