Signature - Q2, 2008 - (Page 3)

Connect | Photography by Malcolm Smith | Q2 ’08 Experience More What a fantastic start to 2008! In January, we kicked off our 10-year anniversary with a celebration at CES in Las Vegas, where we honored our 10,000th member company, JayBird Gear, and unveiled the winners of our thirdannual Best of CES contest. (For more on these and other noteworthy events, take a look at “In the News” starting on page 6 and “Checkout” on page 36.) These events were just the start of what promises to be an amazing year. In February we held UPF 29 in Las Vegas, and this month we met for our annual All Hands Meeting in Phoenix. What’s next? More celebrations, more UPFs and ongoing advancements in the Bluetooth Technology Roadmap. Of special interest is the use of Bluetooth wireless technology in medical applications. InMedica, the medical electronics division of IMS Research, predicts that the consumer medical devices market will be worth $5 billion by 2011. It also found that the best-selling consumer medical devices in 2006 were products like blood glucose meters and blood pressure monitors that help manage chronic health conditions. InMedica predicts double-digit growth in unit shipments by 2011 in these two product categories alone. Our members have worked hard to make sure Bluetooth technology is along for the ride. The Medical Devices Working Group finalized the Medical Devices Profile, and we’ve added ultra low power capabilities to the Bluetooth Core Specification. Both advancements are making things like wireless pulse oximeters, glucose meters and a range of medical sensors and monitors an exciting reality. They have also set the stage for a healthy future. (Think Bluetooth enabled medicine containers, thermometers and body scanners.) This issue is full of the latest Bluetooth wireless developments in devices for home health care (page 18) and fitness (page 20). The hearing aid industry is also being revolutionized by wireless technology; learn more starting on page 22. And in Norway, researchers are studying how Bluetooth technology can make telemedicine practical for people with diabetes (page 32). In “Perspectives” (page 10), industry experts and members weigh in on these advancements in the medical devices industry, as well as other changes ultra low power and high speed Bluetooth technology will bring to consumer electronics. Elsewhere in the issue, find out what’s happening with near field communications (page 15), learn the latest on Bluetooth SIG Working Groups (page 28), and get the scoop on secure, simple pairing (page 43). You’ll also find an indepth discussion on the 802.11/UWB specification updates (page 44). What do you think about the direction the Bluetooth core specification is taking this year? Share your thoughts by e-mailing us at signature@bluetooth.com. A Healthy Future In January we kicked off a year of celebration. The Bluetooth SIG turned 10, we welcomed our 10,000th member and we’re nearing the milestone of 2 billion products shipped. We’re ready to keep “Reaching New Heights.” Mike Foley Executive Director Bluetooth Special Interest Group Bluetooth Special Interest Group | 3

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Signature - Q2, 2008

Signature - Q2, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.