Bluetooth Industry Delays Implementation of
New Specifications
Bluetooth industry group has decided to delay the
implementation of next version of Bluetooth specifications (version 2)
that was expected to increase the speed and capacity - from 720 Kbits/sec
(in the current specification 1.1) to 2 Mbits/sec or even 10 Mbits per
second. This will allow the developers to focus on the current version
1.1.
The faster speed in the proposed future version was discussed soon
after the original specification was released in 1999. This would have
supported multimedia applications and video transfer.
It is interesting to note the divergence in the efforts of
Bluetooth industry forum and more-established IEEE which is primarily
behind the wireless LAN standards like 802.11b, 802.11a, and others in
the same lineup. . IEEE has also proposed a competing standard that
would offer higher speeds but would be backward compatible to current
Bluetooth specifications.
MobileInfo.com’s Comments & Advisory: We think
that this is a good decision on the part of Bluetooth SIG that was
earlier promoting higher speeds and pushing headlong into
Bluetooth-WiFi confrontation. We need Bluetooth for inexpensive,
short-range and low power connectivity of smart phones and PDAs in a
PAN environments. IEEE 802.11b and 802.11a products have established
themselves as superior solutions in a WLAN environment, with lower
costs everyday. We have a conceptual picture where Bluetooth, 802.11b,
802.11a and 3G networks work together in a seamless fashion. We
support IEEE's effort in terms of 802.15.3 standard. Perhaps IEEE
should invite Bluetooth SIG to be an integral part of specification
writing group. Peaceful co-existence of these technologies is a better
solution for customers. Vendors and SIGs, please take note.
