Bluetooth SIG Group Partner with UWB (UltraWideBand) Developers

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.com.com/Bluetooth,+UWB+techs+combining+efforts/2100-1039_3-5694419.html' target='_blank'>http://news.com.com/Bluetooth,+UWB+..._3-5694419.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The Bluetooth Special Interest Group announced Wednesday that it will work with ultrawideband developers to make their wireless networking technologies compatible. The move will allow developers and eventually consumers to take advantage of the high transfer rates of the ultrawideband technology--between 100 megabits and 200 megabits over a 10- to 20-foot range--on the broad array of devices that now include Bluetooth technology. Such devices include cell phones, other handhelds and cars. &lt;...> Products are expected in a couple of years, said Foley, with the first likely being PC and display-related devices. "</i><br /><br />100 and 200 megabits? Sounds great! First products are expected in a couple years with initial targets being PCs and display devices? Hmmmm. UWB standards not even settled yet? Well... I can't help but wonder if this development will be a classic case of "A Day Late, A Dollar Short" syndrome. Bluetooth has surged here in the US recently due to the increased adoption of BT headsets, but personally, while I once used Bluetooth quite a bit for ActiveSync and GPRS data, now my use is just limited to headsets (though I have considered GPS receivers). Is Bluetooth even a "must-have" feature for my future Windows Mobile devices (it used to be)? Could YOU imagine using and relying on Bluetooth as it is implemented right now for the next two years?

[whydidnt]

Is Bluetooth even a "must-have" feature for my future Windows Mobile devices (it used to be)? Could YOU imagine using and relying on Bluetooth as it is implemented right now for the next two years?

It's definitely a must have for me. I wouldn't even consider a WM device, PDA or mobile phone without it. My car has it built in so, I seamlessly go to wireless when entering my car. I use it for headsets, GPS, and most importantly to use my Cell phone as a wireless EDGE modem. While my first attempts some years ago to make all this work were very frustrating, I don't seem to have the same difficulties now. I believe that the various software support that has been added to PC's and PDA's has made the pairing process much easier.

I could certainly see myself using Bluetooth for at least the next two years.

[ctmagnus]

I [heart] [Alberta] [Bluetooth]

[jimski]

Is Bluetooth even a "must-have" feature for my future Windows Mobile devices (it used to be)? Could YOU imagine using and relying on Bluetooth as it is implemented right now for the next two years?

Absolutely. Just put that little blue thing that hangs off your ear away for a minute (although it does have its uses) and try a car with built-in Bluetooth. There is nothing like it. Now that I have it, I will NEVER drive without it.

And how about multi-device compatible keyboards (I have about 6 others you can have if you can find a device in the bottom of someone's drawer to work with them). Not to mention those slick Bluetooth Wireless Headphones. Walking around the house with no wires. Priceless.

Then there is the PPC to BT Cellphone connection. Being a devoted two device guy (had my fun with the Kyocera 6035 four years ago and did not like it) this is an absolute. And I almost forgot that little BT device that sits up on the dashboard telling you where to turn next with not a wire near it.

I am only disappointed that Bluetooth has not been embedded into mainstream electronics like; PC's, digital cameras, remotes (TV, DVD, VCR, stereo, etc.), printers, etc. Would it not be cool to take a photo with your digital camera and then send the shot to your portable photo printer across the room.

No Bluetooth = No Sale for me.

[stevelam]

I have about 6 others you can have if you can find a device in the bottom of someone's drawer to work with them.

Ohh for what???

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

You guys all make great points!

I guess for me, BT was "must-have" with my headset, my keyboard, my GPRS data, Active-Sync'ing, and additionally I was looking into GPS receivers. So that is quite a few devices and uses. But nowadays, I find I have less tolerance for the implementation challenges. For example, BT ActiveSync would have been nice and useful but for me, it's always been hit-or-miss in terms of whether it works or not. The various implementations of BT prevent me from doing any consistent file sharing between my BT-enabled devices which I would also find very useful (it works with some devices and only in certain directions...). GPRS data is great when nothing else is available, but I find that to be less and less the case with WiFi coverage continuing to grow.

So perhaps this is strictly personal experience. I'd love to re-embrace BT back into my lifestyle (and perhaps a GPS receiver can help do that ;)), but the overall support and implementation needs to improve in my case. Of course, there are other factors to blame for the challenges I list, but in the end, it all affects my use of the technology.

That's why for me, this newsbit just didn't do it for me.

[xoiph]

It has always worked flawlessly for me. I wouldn't buy another PPC without bluetooth. The concept of not having to buy a model specific GPS unit, keyboard, or phone data cable everytime I upgrade is priceless.

Plus you can't go wrong with T-Mobile's 4.99 unlimited GPRS plan (via BT modem :mrgreen: )

[djdj]

Bluetooth is a must-have for me. I use the BT headset a lot, but not nearly as often as the BT speakerphone in my car. I just turn the key and it connects to my phone without me taking it out of my pocket. (Sometime in the future, though, I would like to see it improved to the point where I have a caller ID display in the car; this is not currently available with my phone) I also use it consantly for connecting to the Internet via GPRS from both my laptop and PPC. The speed isn't great, but the convenience sure is. And someday, if I decide to, I'll break down and get the BT option card for my portable printer so I can print directly from PPC/laptop with no cables whatsoever.