A couple of weeks ago we reported that Bluetooth 3.0 technology will be unveiled on April 21, and it was. We got the official specs, and official press release, but here it is a short preview of what the new technology will bring. Bluetooth SIG calls this new and improved version of Bluetooth – Bluetooth 3.0 + HS – and the company claims that the technology brings speeds of Wi-Fi because it’s based on the same protocol used by Wi-Fi technology.
Bluetooth v3.0 features the 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer which can provide a transfer rate of “approximate rate of 24Mbps.” Now you won’t get old if you try to send a media file or a picture thanks to these speeds. Also, using v3.0 + HS you can manage camcorder to HDTV connections, PC to PMP, and even UMPC to printer connections.
Another great advantage of the Bluetooth 3.0 technology is that it consumes less power. Well, it’s not entirely like that because the power consumption grows with the amount of data to be sent. However, v3.0 is based on 802.11 protocol which means that the radio remains idle and it doesn’t consume power until the data transfer occurs. Also, after Bluetooth 3.0 + HS we could get an upgrade for this technology, maybe v3.1 which could require less power, but there is still enough time to talk about that.
The last major advantage of the v3.0 technology is that it can be upgraded from v2.1 modules, but only for computers. It is impossible to upgrade from Bluetooth 2.1 to Bluetooth 3.0 on cellphones, handhelds, PMPs, and other gadgets and devices, however, computers which feature a v2.1 module and a 802.11 radio could be upgraded. Now we are waiting for Bluetooth SIG to release a list of which machines can be upgraded.
You might be wondering when the technology will become available. I hope you didn’t expect it to happen this year. The company says that the first devices with Bluetooth 3.0 will be released as of next year, and in 2009 we will only see demonstrations of what the technology can do. Well, we are looking forward to it, and as soon as we get our hands on any information we will let you know. Meanwhile, read the full press release below and let us know in comments what do you think about Bluetooth 3.0 + HS.
From its annual All Hands Meeting in Tokyo this week, the Bluetooth SIG formally adopted Bluetooth Core Specification Version 3.0 High Speed (HS), or Bluetooth 3.0. This latest iteration of the popular short-range wireless technology fulfills the consumers’ need for speed while providing the same wireless Bluetooth experience – faster. Manufacturers of consumer electronics and home entertainment devices can now build their products to send large amounts of video, music and photos between devices wirelessly at speeds consumers expect.
Bluetooth 3.0 gets its speed from the 802.11 radio protocol. The inclusion of the 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) provides increased throughput of data transfers at the approximate rate of 24 Mbps. In addition, mobile devices including Bluetooth 3.0 will realize increased power savings due to enhanced power control built in.
“Like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, this latest version was ‘born to go fast,’ said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. ”Utilizing the 802.11 radio was a natural choice as it provides efficiencies for both our members and consumers – members get more function out of the two radios they are already including in devices, and consumers with Bluetooth v3.0 HS products will get faster exchange of information without changing how they connect. We are excited to expand the possibilities of the PAN.”
This newest version of Bluetooth technology builds on the inherent qualities of the current 2.1 EDR version, including Simple Secure Pairing and built-in, automatic security. And as with all versions of the Bluetooth specification, Bluetooth 3.0 HS provides developers, manufacturers and consumers with the benefit of backwards compatibility, enabling both the expansion and enhancement of this technology with every new specification release. Once products reach the market, the easiest way for consumers to learn which devices are compatible with other Bluetooth enabled devices is to visit the Bluetooth Gadget Guide.
Applications
With the availability of Bluetooth version 3.0 HS, consumers can expect to move large data files of videos, music and photos between their own devices and the trusted devices of others, without the need for cables and wires. Some applications consumers will experience include:
- Wirelessly bulk synchronize music libraries between PC and music player or phone
- Bulk download photos to a printer or PC
- Send video files from camera or phone to computer or television
Availability
The Bluetooth SIG’s formal adoption of the specification is only the first step in the product lifecycle. News out today from wireless chip manufacturers and Bluetooth SIG member companies Atheros, Broadcom, CSR, and Marvell shows the second step – getting silicon solutions to device manufacturers – is already underway. End products for consumers are expected to be in the market in 9 to 12 months.Technical Specifications
This new specification release includes several major enhancements (learn more here – page requires member login):
- Generic Alternate MAC/PHY (AMP)
- 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL)
- Generic Test Methodology
- Enhanced Power Control
- Unicast Connectionless Data
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