Several leading telecommunications and computer industry companies last week announced a technology platform that would allow all types of mobile devices to communicate with each other without cable connections.
Companies including Intel Corp., IBM Corp., Toshiba Corp., Nokia Corp. and L.M. Ericsson are participating in the project, code named “Bluetooth.” The short-range, low-power system will operate in the 2.45 GHz ISM frequency band and allow devices within 10 meters of each other to communicate. Data and voice are expected to be supported simultaneously in full duplex, with no line-of-sight restrictions, said the companies.
Potential user situations include using a mobile phone to command a portable computer to retrieve e-mail while still in its case, automatic synchronization of personal digital assistant devices with personal computers or laptops and access to the Internet through a connection with a mobile phone or a wired connection, said the companies. Other applications include connecting a computer’s keyboard and mouse without cables.
The Bluetooth group said the technology could boost growth of portable computer and mobile phone sales.
Ericsson contributed the basic radio technology expertise for the project. Nokia also contributed radio technology expertise and mobile handset software. Toshiba and IBM are developing a common specification to integrate the technology into mobile devices, and Intel is contributing its advanced chip and software expertise.
“The idea of interoperability among devices is not a new concept,” said Phil Redman, senior analyst, wireless/mobile communications research and consulting, at the Yankee Group, Boston. “Neither is the use of local wireless technology as a connecting system new.
“However, using a local, RF transmission system integrated into many devices is a new concept,” continued Redman. “WLAN vendors have been looking for something like this for years.”
Several of the companies involved with Bluetooth have a history of cooperating. In March, several key telecommunications, personal electronics and computer companies announced they had formed a working group to develop a protocol for wirelessly connecting home appliances to personal computers.
That group-the Home Radio Frequency Working Group-consists of Compaq Computer Corp., Ericsson Enterprise Networks, Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM, Intel, Microsoft Corp., Motorola Inc., Philips Consumer Communications L.P., Proxim and Symbionics.
“Convergence is definitely the talk of the town,” said Redman. “Intel realizes it needs to stretch itself beyond being a computer semiconductor company. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Intel on all levels of microprocessor construction, and reaching into the telecommunications market is just a natural extension.”
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group said it expects actual products won’t be available until the second half of next year.
“Interoperability is difficult to obtain,” said Redman. “With different software systems on each device, and different data transmission standards, it will be a challenge.”
The Bluetooth SIG is inviting other companies to support the core technology royalty-free to ensure the technology can be implemented in many devices. Companies that have committed to include the technology in products include Motorola Inc., Qualcomm Inc., 3COM Palm, VLSI and Lucent Technologies Inc.
