Bluetooth Version 2.0 announced

Bluetooth Special Interest Group launches Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate, providing an improved usability through smoother multi-device scenarios, faster file transfers and longer battery life. These three issues are proved to be a milestone in the Bluetooth functionality.

The indebt work of Bluetooth SIG resulted in a significantly increased data rates (up to three times current levels), lower power consumption that will improve the Bluetooth user experience when running multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously and transferring large data files due to more available bandwidth, as well as longer battery life in mobile devices. There is a full compatibility with all previous specifications, a must for the successful integration of the Version's v2.0 + EDR on the market. Furthermore, the improved BER (Bit Error Rate) performance will boost the process of a successful data transfer.

“The motivation behind 2.0 + EDR was to improve existing usage scenarios which require increased data throughput, like streaming CD-quality audio, digital image transfer and laser printing,” said Dr. Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “Now manufacturers can update to the latest Bluetooth specification to fit the demands of consumers for their particular product – and the user will get a better Bluetooth experience.”

The Bluetooth SIG expects products based upon the specification to be available in 2005. Products from the PC industry are expected to be the first on the market with the new specification, followed by devices for audio and imaging use cases. Several companies (Broadcom, CSR, RF Micro Devices) have tested 2.0 + EDR prototypes and chips with the new specification are available immediately from Broadcom and CSR, and in Q1 2005 from RF Micro Devices.

The Bluetooth SIG also laid out a roadmap for future improvements to Bluetooth. Priorities within the next year include quality of service (QoS), security, and power consumption, while the multi-cast, additional security and long-range performance are set to 2006's priorities.