News
Issue #2003 - 06 (February 2003)
(Updated Feb. 20, 2003)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

World's first Bluetooth Barcode Reader Enabled by CSR's BlueCore

Richardson, TX - February 10, 2003 - CSR (Cambridge Silicon Radio) today announced that its BlueCore single-chip solution has been selected by Baracoda to Bluetooth-enable its BaracodaPencil. The innovative BaracodaPencil is the world's first Bluetooth barcode reader and it helps simplify the scanning of large or cumbersome goods - a task which is often tedious and sometimes impossible using a corded scanner. The compact and lightweight BaracodaPencil resolves this issue, as its Bluetooth-enabled
wireless scanner will allow object scanning without the operator having to stay close to the terminal. 

CSR's BlueCore chip features low power consumption, essential for such a compact portable device, allowing battery life of up to 2000 scans per recharge. In addition, the small footprint and low requirements for external components of CSR's Bluetooth silicon has allowed Baracoda to produce a versatile scanner with a small and ergonomic design which also makes it usable as a stylus for a PDA or tablet PC. These characteristics make CSR's Bluetooth solution ideal for use in such mobile tools. The BaracodaPencil complements the growing array of CSR BlueCore-enabled products. 

Because the BaracodaPencil can store up to 1000 codes and is Bluetooth-enabled, the range of applications for which it can be utilised is huge. For example, in the home, the BaracodaPencil could be used to scan products or catalogues which could automatically compile a shopping list on a computer or PDA. This list could then be modified and printed or turned into an electronic shopping basket at an online shop. In the workplace, the time spent on tasks such as inventory management, delivery tracking, and document management, could be drastically reduced by employing the BaracodaPencil.

As a Class 2 Bluetooth device, the BaracodaPencil has an operating range of up to 15m, permitting wireless connectivity to a PC or PDA across an office environment or in the home. With its size and weight roughly equivalent to the average good quality pen (dimensions of 112 x 25 x 16mm and 42g in
weight) the BaracodaPencil is very portable and unobtrusive. At the core of Baracoda's technology is a customized module, using CSR's BlueCore, and called the Baracoda SmartModule. The SmartModule includes several layers of Baracoda's proprietary software and was designed specifically for data-capture and automatic identification applications.

The market for Bluetooth is expanding and chip prices have already dipped below the $5 mark. Manufacturers are finding an increasing number of compelling applications with which to utilise Bluetooth technology. 

Thierry Daher, Sr Vice President Sales & Marketing, Baracoda Inc commented, "To create the world's first barcode scanner and to power our SmartModule, BlueCore, the world's leading single-chip solution was the natural choice. CSR's commitment to producing design-friendly silicon has enabled us to create the BaracodaPencil with up to the minute technology that allows maximum usability."

About CSR
CSR (Cambridge Silicon Radio) specializes in providing single-chip radio devices to the global market for short-range wireless communications, including BluetoothTM. CSR was the first company to offer a true single-chip Bluetooth solution with BlueCore, a fully integrated 2.4 GHz radio, baseband and microcontroller. In Q4 2001 CSR released BlueCore2, its second generation family.

CSR has Microsoft Corp, NEC, Toshiba, Samsung, Sony, Compaq, IBM, Fujitsu, LG, ALPS, TDK, 3Com, Mitsumi, Siemens and Motorola as its customers. 

CSR is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with offices in Richardson, Texas; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore and Aalborg, Denmark.

Source: CSR Press Release

For more information: http://www.csr.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Use of Bluetooth in bar code scanners is an appropriate application. It has distinct advantages over cord-connected scanners. But will it work as flawlessly as the corded scanners? There is a sizable market out there. We eagerly await for Symbol, the king of scanning, to adopt this technology actively. Very  few vendors know that market as well as Symbol does.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.