Bluetooth Goes To The Next Level With New 3.0+HS Spec

Bluetooth changed the mobile tech game by allowing us to wirelessly field calls and stream data, but now the latest version will let us move even more data at dramactically faster rate–up to 24 Mbps (the current spec maxes out at 3 Mbps). How is this possible? By partnering the Bluetooth radio with the 802.11 radio–the same 802.11 radio found in our notebooks, portable media players, and phones. Bluetooth 3.0 + HS will allow users to move large data files (music, video, photos) between a notebook and phone, camera to television, and any other 3.0+HS pairing. So, instead of sending a single image between items, you can move entire libaries. The Bluetooth SIG states that Bluetooth 3.0 + HS’ Enhanced Power Control will reduce the number of disconnects caused by movement (such as placing a phone into a pockt or purse), and the new protocol will offer increased power savings. In addition, Bluetooth 3.0 builds upon the solid foundation of Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (such as Simple Secure Pairing and security), so it’ll be backward compatible with that signal. Atheros, Broadcom, CDR, and Marvell have already signed on to build Bluetooth 3.0 + HS chipsets, and products are expected to hit the market within 9 to 12 months.