Low energy optimised Bluetooth 4.0 ready to roll

With an industry release expected within the second quarter of 2010, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has confirmed that Bluetooth 4.0 is "ready to roll", with the headline news being the wireless technology's low energy focus.

The SIG claims Bluetooth 4.0 is essentially three versions of Bluetooth in one, with the standard technology combined with the low energy system and high speed technology all of which can be used at once, or used separately in different devices according to their functionality.

The group suggests Bluetooth sensors in pedometers would only run the low energy technology, for instance, preserving their battery, while mobile phones and PC conversely could utilise all three modes side by side.

Sharpening the tooth

"Bluetooth 4.0 throws open the doors to a host of new markets for Bluetooth manufacturers and products such as watches, remote controls, and a variety of medical and in-home sensors," says the Bluetooth SIG's executive director Michael Foley.

"Many of these products run on button-cell batteries that must last for years versus hours and will also benefit from the longer range enabled by this new version of the Bluetooth specification."

The group has also confirmed that, as in previous versions, Bluetooth 4.0 radio may be optimised to suit the application. While most devices use the basic 30ft/10 metre range, there is no set limit imposed by the specification.

It's expected Bluetooth 4.0 technology to be in the hands of consumers in late 2010 to early 2011.

[source: Bluetooth]