Signature Q3 2008

Ask The SIG | Q3 ’08 What is the current plan for Bluetooth high speed technology? Bluetooth high speed technology will be made possible by the specification architecture change allowing an alternate MAC/PHY. Many manufacturers will make use of 802.11 as the alternate MAC/PHY in devices where both technologies are already presently planned. Our roadmap also continues to look to UWB (WiMedia) for the achievement of anticipated high speed Bluetooth wireless experiences. Work is currently ongoing to provide a core specification update in 2009 that will provide developers with both high speed options for developing faster Bluetooth enabled devices for consumers. What is the beneﬁt of using 802.11? The primary advantage of moving forward with this strategy is that in the roadmap for many products in the next two years where Bluetooth technology is present, 802.11 is also present or being considered. The availability of Bluetooth technology in a device that contains an 802.11 radio translates to efficiency for both the manufacturer and the consumer. The co-located 802.11 radio can be the high speed alternate MAC/PHY with almost no additional hardware cost. What is the difference between 802.11 and Wi-Fi? 802.11 is the IEEE numeric code for a WLAN specification that is broadly known as Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi Alliance conducts tests to demonstrate Wi-Fi interoperability, and it owns the marks Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED. It is likely that manufacturers will make use of 802.11 technology that is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, but it’s not necessary for Bluetooth technology over 802.11. In the planned Bluetooth high speed technology scenarios, the interoperability, profiles, protocols and security will be handled by the Bluetooth wireless architecture. However, if the 802.11 radio in a device will also be used for local area networking beyond the range and function of a Bluetooth wireless personal area network, interoperability and security protections for those use cases will have only been demonstrated to be in place if the product is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED. What are the advantages to UWB? The Fast Lane Bluetooth wireless technology has an installed base of 2 billion products and brand awareness in excess of 85 percent. The evolution to Bluetooth high speed technology will give customers a better, faster experience, using a wireless technology they already know and trust. Experience More 802.11 is relatively fast and will be sufficient for some applications, but UWB is expected to be faster and will be strategically positioned for some of the more robust requirements of entertainment data over the Bluetooth enabled connection. Depending on device-to-device range, file transfer rates for solutions supporting UWB will range from 24 to 480 Mbps (raw data) with the Bluetooth wireless solution anticipated at 100 Mbps in the 10m range. When can we expect high speed Bluetooth enabled devices? Published specifications are expected in mid-2009, and significant product shipments with the new specs should occur within 12 months of publication. How can members advance Bluetooth technology innovations? To work directly on the core specification development process, Promoter and Associate members can join the Core Specification Working Group. To be part of the longer term planning process and to determine the next steps for high speed development and related profile Have a question for the Bluetooth SIG? work, Promoters and Associates can Want to share an answer to a Frequently apply to the Ecosystem Committee. Asked Question from your customers? For details, visit Bluetooth.org. E-mail us at signature@bluetooth.com. Bluetooth Special Interest Group | 5 http://bluetooth.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Signature Q3 2008

Signature Q3 2008 Contents Connect: Growing Markets Inbox: Spread the Word Ask the SIG: The Fast Lane In the News Perspectives: Views From APAC Bluetooth Technology in Retrospect: Headset History Bluetooth Technology in Retrospect: Headset History Bluetooth Technology @ Play: Unplug Your Fun Bluetooth Technology Interactive: Wireless Tourism Checkout: Groovy Gadgets Bluetooth Wireless Explorer: Mind Games Bluetooth Technology 101: Ads You Like It Bluetooth Technology 501: Group Efforts Wacky Apps: What’s NXT? Get in the Game: If The Glove Fits ... Revolution: The Space Age

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