Bluetooth 3.0 is now Official, offering faster transfer speeds

By in Wireless

Bluetooth Logo Rumor on Bluetooth 3.0 to release on April 21, 2009 has hit the reality stage, allowing a completely new dimension to strike the wireless technology.

At the annual All Hands Meeting in Tokyo, Bluetooth SIG has officially announced the launch of the Bluetooth Core Specification Version 3.0 High Speed (HS) or Bluetooth 3.0.

Now the Bluetooth technology gets faster, adding outstanding speed and bandwidth via the 802.11 radio protocol. It enables manufacturers of consumer electronics and home entertainment devices to develop products that support this iteration.

With this, wirelessly sending large video files, music and photos between devices at an unbelievable speed is now a dream-come-true!

This latest version of the popular short-range wireless technology works on the 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) to deliver increased throughput of data transfers at an approximate rate of 24 Mbps. Other than that, the press release also points out that the mobile devices with Bluetooth 3.0 will comprehend improved power savings as it incorporates an enhanced power control.

Further, it is compatible with Generic Alternate MAC/PHY (AMP), Generic Test Methodology and Unicast Connectionless Data.

According to Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG, “Like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, this latest version was ‘born to go fast. Utilizing the 802.11 radio was a natural choice as it provides efficiencies for both our members and consumers – members get more function out of the two radios they are already including in devices, and consumers with Bluetooth v3.0 HS products will get faster exchange of information without changing how they connect. We are excited to expand the possibilities of the PAN.”

Based on the inherent qualities of the existing 2.1 EDR version, the Bluetooth 3.0 HS supports Simple Secure Pairing and an automatic security. With the newest version of Bluetooth technology, developers and manufacturers as well as consumers can take full advantage of backwards compatibility to expand and enhance the technology with each latest updated specification.

Apart from sharing data, users can wirelessly synchronize music libraries between PC and music player or phone, download photos to a printer or PC, and send video files from camera or phone to computer or television.

The Bluetooth 3.0 is expected to reach the markets within 9 to 12 months.