Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Insert Coin: cookoo is the watch for geeks who want to keep it subtle (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/insert-coin-cookoo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/insert-coin-cookoo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/insert-coin-cookoo/#comments In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Image

This is the cookoo, a smart timepiece created by former Microsoft product developer Peter Hauser. Connecting to your smartphone over Bluetooth, its analog face stands in front of a digital display that lights up when you've got a phone alert. Its USP is that it's a more cultured way to check if you've been tweeted than simply whipping out your phone every few minutes. It promises to last up to a year on a standard watch battery and the buttons around the bezel even allow you to check in to Foursquare. It's been designed to be so rugged, durable and waterproof that you can wear one all day -- even at the pool. You can pledge $50 to pre-order one (it'll retail for $99), but only if the company raises all of the $150,000 its set for a goal.

Continue reading Insert Coin: cookoo is the watch for geeks who want to keep it subtle (video)

Insert Coin: cookoo is the watch for geeks who want to keep it subtle (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth SmartBluetooth4.0BluetoothSmartConnecteDevicecookooEmail WatchEmailWatchInsert CoinInsertCoinKickstarterPeter HauserPeterHauserSmartSmart BluetoothSmart WatchSmartBluetoothSmartWatchTwitter WatchTwitterWatchvideowatchThu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meta Watch announces new dev kit with added iOS support, Bluetooth 4.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/meta-watch-ios-bluetooth-4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/meta-watch-ios-bluetooth-4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/meta-watch-ios-bluetooth-4/#comments Image

Can't wait for the Pebble E-Paper Watch to ship this fall? The Meta Watch developer system that we first saw last year just got a major upgrade, and could serve as an acceptable stand-in for now, with the arrival of both iOS support and Bluetooth 4.0 to the $199 connected wearable. The device includes a 96 x 96-pixel sunlight-viewable LCD, six programmable buttons, an accelerometer, vibrating motor, ambient light sensor and a black or white strap. The developer platform Meta Watch is available through Texas Instruments now for $199. Hit up the source link after the break to make it your own.

Meta Watch announces new dev kit with added iOS support, Bluetooth 4.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth watchBluetooth4.0BluetoothWatchdevdeveloperdevelopersmeta watchMetaWatchminipostsdksmartphonessmatphonetabletsTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIwatchwatchesTue, 22 May 2012 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Pebble smartwatch sells out initial supplies, enters Kickstarter hall of fame with $10m raised]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/pebble-smartwatch-sells-out/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/pebble-smartwatch-sells-out/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/pebble-smartwatch-sells-out/#comments Pebble smartwatch sells out initial supplies, enters Kickstarter hall of fame with $10m raised

It looks like adding Bluetooth 4.0 was just the trick for taking the Pebble smartwatch over the edge -- and by over the edge, we mean to an insane level of Kickstarter success. The watch not only crossed the $10 million fundraising mark -- it aimed for a paltry $100k -- but its initial 85,000 units are now sold out. The campaign still has eight days to go, and though additional backers won't get in on that first wave of Pebbles, there's a second batch on the way.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Pebble smartwatch sells out initial supplies, enters Kickstarter hall of fame with $10m raised originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0kickstarterpebblePebble smartwatchPebbleSmartwatchSmartWatchSmartwatcheswatchwatchesThu, 10 May 2012 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Car StereoClip hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/htc-car-stereoclip-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/htc-car-stereoclip-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/htc-car-stereoclip-hands-on/#comments HTC Car StereoClip hands-on

Looking for something nice to take home alongside your shiny (oh, so shiny) new HTC EVO 4G LTE? How about the Car StereoClip? When the latest EVO hits shelves on May 18th, it'll launch with this Bluetooth accessory that lets you stream audio to any device with a mini stereo auxiliary input. The tiny, USB thumb drive-sized receiver has a micro-USB port on one end for charging, and a male 3.5mm connector hides under a cap on the other side. While the dongle is being marketed for in-car use, it could be used to turn your home stereo into a set of Bluetooth speakers as well. HTC claims that Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX support should make for drastically improved audio quality -- at least when paired with a similarly specced phone. You'll be able to pick up the plug for $60 from Sprint, followed shortly thereafter by AT&T. Check out the gallery below for a few more pics.

Gallery: HTC Car StereoClip hands-on

HTC Car StereoClip hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aptxbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0car stereoclipCarStereoclipctiactia 2012ctia wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWireless2012hands-onHTCHTC Car Stereo clipHTC Car StereoClipHtcCarStereoClipThu, 10 May 2012 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Pebble watch gets updated to Bluetooth 4.0 before it even arrives]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/pebble-watch-bluetooth-4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/pebble-watch-bluetooth-4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/pebble-watch-bluetooth-4/#comments Pebble watch Bluetooth 4.0

What are you going to do when you get an unprecedented response from your new Kickstarter project? You throw in some extra features to keep your new fans happy. Allerta, the same company behind the InPulse smartwatch, has announced that its new Pebble smartwatch will now arrive with low-power Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility. The watches will still interact with Bluetooth 2.1, but inclusion of the latest version should ensure a better degree of future-proofing, with a view to hooking up with wireless heart monitors in the near future. The new feature will be built into the watches ahead of its release and enabled with a later software update. Better still, the makers promise that these Bluetooth plans have been in the pipeline for a while and shouldn't affect the watch's launch date.

Pebble watch gets updated to Bluetooth 4.0 before it even arrives originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allertaAllerta inPulseAllerta inPulse SmartwatchAllerta PebbleAllertaInpulseAllertaInpulseSmartwatchAllertaPebbleAndroidAppleBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0inpulsekickstarterllertapebblePebble AppPebble smartwatchPebbleAppPebbleSmartwatchsmart watchsmartwatchwatchTue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Rowdy Robot creates Bluetooth 4.0 beacons that activate automatic alerts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/insert-coin-rowdy-robot-bluetooth-4-beacon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/insert-coin-rowdy-robot-bluetooth-4-beacon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/insert-coin-rowdy-robot-bluetooth-4-beacon/#comments In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Insert Coin: Rowdy Robot creates Bluetooth 4.0 beacons that activate automatic alerts

It's no secret that Bluetooth 4.0 is energy efficient, but now a startup called Rowdy Robot wants to use it for something rather less predictable than monitoring heart palpitations during your Tour de France training. A network of little beacons ("tōds") interacts with your iPhone or iPad and lets you receive movement-triggered alerts: like when your kid wanders too far, or when they finally return home after hanging out with the corner cartel. Many uses will be similar to NFC tags, but with the advantage of a vastly greater range of up to 500ft -- plus a single beacon can last for years on a single battery. Of course, it could also work with location-based services, triggering automatic updates as you pedal past the Arc de Triomphe -- but none of this will happen unless you check out the video after the break and help Rowdy Robot meet their $50,000 target.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Rowdy Robot creates Bluetooth 4.0 beacons that activate automatic alerts

Insert Coin: Rowdy Robot creates Bluetooth 4.0 beacons that activate automatic alerts originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaticbeaconbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0insert coinInsertCoiniosipadiphonekickstartermobilemobile devicesMobileDevicesproximityreal world actionsRealWorldActionsrowdy robotRowdyRobotsensorsmart beaconSmartBeaconstartupvideoMon, 30 Apr 2012 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Wahoo Fitness BlueSC cycling sensor preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/wahoo-fitness-bluesc-cycling-sensor-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/wahoo-fitness-bluesc-cycling-sensor-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/wahoo-fitness-bluesc-cycling-sensor-preview/#comments Wahoo Fitness BlueSC cycling sensor previewIt wasn't all that long ago that Wahoo Fitness unveiled it's iPhone 4S friendly BlueHR heart monitor to let you track your workouts. Well, it turns out that Wahoo's been working on something new, and at a Bluetooth 4.0 event today in SF, we got a sneak peek at the company's next device, the BlueSC. It's a gadget aimed at would-be Alberto Contadors that wirelessly tracks the speed and pedaling cadence of cyclists via Wahoo's existing app. It's a three piece affair with a main hub that straps to your bike frame, one magnet that goes on your wheel, and a second that's placed on the pedal crank. The hub gets rotational info from each magnet as it swings past and then shoots your stats to your phone via Bluetooth, allowing you to track your performance as you chug up the Alpe d'Huez. (OK, maybe just around the neighborhood.) What you see above is a working prototype device, but Wahoo's being coy about further hardware details, pricing and availability -- though we can say that it's quite lightweight and can't weigh more than few grams. In the meantime, you can get a better look at your next training tool in the gallery below.

Gallery: Wahoo Fitness BlueSC cycling sensor preview

Wahoo Fitness BlueSC cycling sensor preview originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue scBlueScbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0cyclingexerciseexercisingfitnesshands-onpreviewwahoo fitnesswahoo fitness bluescWahooFitnessWahooFitnessBluescWed, 04 Apr 2012 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New iPad has power-sipping Bluetooth 4.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/new-ipad-has-power-sipping-bluetooth-4-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/new-ipad-has-power-sipping-bluetooth-4-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/new-ipad-has-power-sipping-bluetooth-4-0/#commentsNew iPad has power-sipping BlueTooth 4.0There are already 2,048 x 1,536 reasons to covet the latest iPad, but here's one more: it's the first tablet to incorporate the latest Bluetooth 4.0 "Smart" standard. Like the iPhone 4S, Apple's new slate is ready to pair with other Smart devices that drain far less power than previous modules. Want to complement your purchase with a wireless keyboard whose batteries will last for years? Or to plaster your body with tiny low-power sensors so you can, erm, monitor yourself on your iPad? Oh yes, Bluetooth 4.0 can make that happen.

Continue reading New iPad has power-sipping Bluetooth 4.0

New iPad has power-sipping Bluetooth 4.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth SIGbluetooth smartbluetooth smart readyBluetooth4.0BluetoothSigBluetoothSmartBluetoothSmartReadybt 4.0Bt4.0Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth SIG forms new working group focused on fitness gadgets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/bluetooth-sig-forms-new-working-group-focused-on-fitness-gadgets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/bluetooth-sig-forms-new-working-group-focused-on-fitness-gadgets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/bluetooth-sig-forms-new-working-group-focused-on-fitness-gadgets/#comments We've been seeing Bluetooth make more and more inroads into fitness gadgets as of late, and it looks like the Bluetooth Special Interest Group is intent on seeing that trend continue. It announced the formation of a new Sports and Fitness Working Group today, which will be tasked with increasing the interoperability between wearable gadgets and other sensors and so-called "hub" devices like smartphones, TVs and gym equipment. That's a fairly natural fit for Bluetooth now, but it's taken until Bluetooth 4.0 for the standard to really emerge as a viable alternative to lower-power options like ANT+ (now commonly used in heart rate monitors and the like).

Continue reading Bluetooth SIG forms new working group focused on fitness gadgets

Bluetooth SIG forms new working group focused on fitness gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth sigBluetooth4.0BluetoothSigfitnessminipostSports and Fitness Working GroupSportsAndFitnessWorkingGroupwearablewearable devicesWearableDevicesworking groupWorkingGroupFri, 10 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Cobra Electronics unveils Cobra Tag G5 ahead of CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/cobra-electronics-cobra-tag-g5/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/cobra-electronics-cobra-tag-g5/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/cobra-electronics-cobra-tag-g5/#comments
In advance of the official start of CES 2012, Cobra Electronics has introduced a follow-up to its Cobra Tag dubbed the G5. The latest iteration of the Tag, which is a bluetooth device that pairs up to your phone and triggers alarms of your choosing when the two items become separated, now takes advantage of the Bluetooth 4.0 Low-Energy standard. This means the Tag will now offer more than six months of use before requiring another charge, and is interoperable with the Bluetooth 4.0-capable iPhone 4S in addition to its usual list of Android devices. Cobra expects to begin shipping the G5 sometime in Q2, and will maintain its predecessor's asking price of $60. Look below to read the full press release.

Continue reading Cobra Electronics unveils Cobra Tag G5 ahead of CES

Cobra Electronics unveils Cobra Tag G5 ahead of CES originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblebluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0cesces 2012Ces2012cobracobra electronicscobra tagcobra tag g5CobraElectronicsCobraTagCobraTagG5donglelow-energy standardLow-energyStandardmobilepostcrossFri, 06 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Casio's smartphone-ready G-Shock watch set to hit Japan in March]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/casios-smartphone-ready-g-shock-watch-set-to-hit-japan-in-march/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/casios-smartphone-ready-g-shock-watch-set-to-hit-japan-in-march/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/casios-smartphone-ready-g-shock-watch-set-to-hit-japan-in-march/#comments
Casio's G-Shock GB-6900 watch was originally set to roll out sometime this year (having even made an appearance at FCC way back in July) but, according to TechCrunch, the company was forced to delay its release to due to shortages resulting from the Thailand floods. Now it looks like you'll be able to finally pick one up on March 16th of next year -- at least in Japan, where it's set to run ¥18,000 (or about $230). Of course, we wouldn't be covering this if it was just an ordinary G-Shock watch. The key feature here is Bluetooth LE connectivity (part of the Bluetooth 4.0 spec), which consumes far less power than other Bluetooth variations, and allows the watch to communicate with your smartphone. As you might expect from that tiny display, that functionality is a bit more limited than something like Motorola's MOTOACTV, but it will let you see incoming calls, emails and text messages, and control some basic features like your phone's ringer or alarm.

Casio's smartphone-ready G-Shock watch set to hit Japan in March originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth leBluetooth4.0BluetoothLecasiocasio g-shockCasioG-shockg-shockgb-6900minipostwatchSun, 01 Jan 2012 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/wahoo-fitness-iphone-4s-compatible-blue-hr-heart-rate-monitor-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/wahoo-fitness-iphone-4s-compatible-blue-hr-heart-rate-monitor-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/wahoo-fitness-iphone-4s-compatible-blue-hr-heart-rate-monitor-s/#comments Remember that Wahoo Fitness Bluetooth 4.0 heart rate monitor we showed you last month? Here she is again. The company's proper unveiling of the device will come at CES 2012, linking up exclusively (at first, anyway) with the iPhone 4S and other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. By tapping into the Blue HR and harnessing your fitness app of choice (a nice touch, we must say), you'll have access to heart rate data, music playlists, phone, maps, etc., all in one place. It'll start shipping in January for $79.99, and we're told that the product will launch with "full support of several of Wahoo Fitness' app partners, who have been working with Wahoo's Open API to support the Blue HR." A few compatible apps have already filtered into the App Store, including MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, 321Run, Runmeter, and MotionX, and the company's expecting even more in 2012. Full PR is after the break, no galloping required.

Continue reading Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80

Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sapplebeltBlueHRbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0btcesces 2012Ces2012exclusiveexercisefitnessheart rateheart rate monitorHeartRateHeartRateMonitoriPhone 4SIphone4smobilepostcrossvideoWahoo FitnessWahooFitnessThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Find My Car Smart app uses Bluetooth 4.0 to help iPhone 4S owners do the obvious]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/find-my-car-smart-app-uses-bluetooth-4-0-to-help-iphone-4s-owner/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/find-my-car-smart-app-uses-bluetooth-4-0-to-help-iphone-4s-owner/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/find-my-car-smart-app-uses-bluetooth-4-0-to-help-iphone-4s-owner/#comments
Do you have an iPhone 4S? Do you drive a car? Do you have amnesia? If you answered yes to at least two-and-a-half of these questions, you'll probably be interested in Find My Car Smart -- a Kickstarter project that wants to help dudes find their cars, with the help of Bluetooth 4.0 technology. The system is relatively straightforward, consisting of nothing more than an iOS app (available now on iTunes for $0.99), and a USB-based Bluetooth proximity adapter. All you have to do is download the app, stick the dongle in your car, and let your iPhone 4S automatically mark your parking spot. Whereas similarly-designed apps typically require users to manually record their car's location before leaving the lot, Find My Car Smart allows you to forget even that, since the app will automatically record your GPS coordinates. FMC Smart says it won't start shipping adapters until it reaches its Kickstarter funding goal, though it's aiming to deliver its first 500 devices by January. For more details, hit up the links below.

Find My Car Smart app uses Bluetooth 4.0 to help iPhone 4S owners do the obvious originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0carcarscellphonefind my car smartFindMyCarSmartGPShandsetiosiphoneiphone 4sIphone4situneskickstartermobilepostcrossparking lotParkingLotphonesmartphonesmartphone appSmartphoneAppvehicleMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple reportedly stepping up its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/apple-reportedly-stepping-its-connectivity-game-wants-to-be-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/apple-reportedly-stepping-its-connectivity-game-wants-to-be-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/apple-reportedly-stepping-its-connectivity-game-wants-to-be-the/#comments

Apple is purportedly readying a new certification chip for accessory makers that will allow wireless access and connectivity to that pile of iOS devices you're hoarding. Announced during an accessory manufacturer's conference in China, the new chip could possibly allow connections across AirPlay, Bluetooth and WiFi. The Cupertino crew hope that this will encourage even more iOS-friendly add-ons and docks to market. According to Macotakara, Apple apparently added that it's working on support for AirPlay over Bluetooth, presumably bringing with it some improved battery longevity, and tying into the new low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 found on the iPhone 4S. Well, you know us, we always love seeing new iPad accessories.


Update: An anonymous attendee has got in touch to tell us that the authentication chip is low-cost and faster update that doesn't bring any new features not already seen on current chips. Our mole added that Apple didn't directly announce any plans to extend AirPlay functionality to Bluetooth.

Apple reportedly stepping up its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesairplayapplebluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth low energyBluetooth4.0BluetoothLowEnergyIOSipadiphoneipodstreamingstreaming mediaStreamingMediawifiMon, 12 Dec 2011 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia links up with Bluetooth 4.0 for indoor positioning, because anything Google can do, it can do better]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/nokia-links-up-with-bluetooth-4-0-for-indoor-positioning-becaus/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/nokia-links-up-with-bluetooth-4-0-for-indoor-positioning-becaus/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/nokia-links-up-with-bluetooth-4-0-for-indoor-positioning-becaus/#comments Not to be outdone by the mobile mammoth that is Google, Nokia's prepping its own version of indoor maps for wireless users. Rather than run the risk of being a me too! product, Espoo's Research labs have chosen Bluetooth 4.0 as the main ingredient for its in development location service. The Finnish company's hoping to get a slew of partners onboard so it can begin outfitting retail shops, malls and other well-trodden public spaces with inexpensive antenna arrays that would track a user's movements via device-embedded Bluetooth tags. But indoor positioning for mobile-wielding users isn't the only endgame here, as the tech could also find its way into shopping carts -- useful for gathering analytics on consumer habits. It's certainly a privacy trade-off, but by now you should be well comfy with the notion that digital convenience always comes at a cost. Hit up the source below to take a peek at the proposed equipment.

Nokia links up with Bluetooth 4.0 for indoor positioning, because anything Google can do, it can do better originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0indoor mapsindoor positioningIndoor Positioning SystemIndoorMapsIndoorPositioningIndoorPositioningSystemmallsmobilepostcrossNokiaNokia ResearchNokiaResearchretailWed, 30 Nov 2011 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Wahoo Fitness bringing $80 BlueHR heart-rate belt to iPhone 4S users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/wahoo-fitness-bringing-80-bluehr-heart-rate-belt-to-iphone-4s-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/wahoo-fitness-bringing-80-bluehr-heart-rate-belt-to-iphone-4s-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/wahoo-fitness-bringing-80-bluehr-heart-rate-belt-to-iphone-4s-u/#commentsRemember that nondescript heart-rate monitoring belt we peeked back in June? Now you know the company that's tossing out purchase orders for 'em. Wahoo Fitness has just revealed that it'll soon be shipping its own branded version of the product -- dubbed BlueHR -- and at least for now, it'll work exclusively with the iPhone 4S. Why, you ask? The 4S just so happens to have Bluetooth 4.0, and this here belt happens to utilize that very protocol. In a brief demo vid (embedded after the break), the company demonstrates it beaming out vitals to a nearby iPhone, and we're told that it'll be "compatible with all the top running apps like Runkeeper [as well as with] Wahoo's own free app." We're guessing that the outfit will do everything it can to have this guy out by Christmastime, but for now, you can start pinching pennies in an effort to afford the looming $79.99 sticker.

Continue reading Wahoo Fitness bringing $80 BlueHR heart-rate belt to iPhone 4S users

Wahoo Fitness bringing $80 BlueHR heart-rate belt to iPhone 4S users originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sapplebeltBlueHRbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0btexclusiveexercisefitnessheart rateheart rate monitorHeartRateHeartRateMonitoriPhone 4SIphone4smobilepostcrossvideoWahoo FitnessWahooFitnessTue, 01 Nov 2011 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth SIG unveils Smart Marks, explains v4.0 compatibility with unnecessary complexity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/bluetooth-sig-unveils-smart-marks-explains-v4-0-compatibility-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/bluetooth-sig-unveils-smart-marks-explains-v4-0-compatibility-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/bluetooth-sig-unveils-smart-marks-explains-v4-0-compatibility-w/#comments Bluetooth has been through bevy of official versions to date, and now its eponymous Special Interest Group is announcing Smart Marks to differentiate device types in v4.0. Products will now fall under three brands including Bluetooth Smart Ready, Bluetooth Smart and the original itself. According to Bluetooth SIG, the new visuals are intended to help gauge device compatibility and also denote what form of radios they have. Essentially, Smart Ready refers to any electronics that feature Bluetooth v4.0 with a dual radio, like the iPhone 4S, while the Smart tag covers "devices like heart-rate monitors or pedometers that run on button-cell batteries and were built to collect a specific piece of information." In terms of compatibility, Smart Ready devices can interface with themselves and both of the others, while standard Bluetooth lacks compatibility with Smart, which can only hookup with Smart Ready-enabled gadgets. If you ask us, it's all a bit confusing at the moment, but at least there's a chart for memorizing it all. Hit the source link below for all the details.

Continue reading Bluetooth SIG unveils Smart Marks, explains v4.0 compatibility with unnecessary complexity

Bluetooth SIG unveils Smart Marks, explains v4.0 compatibility with unnecessary complexity originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth SIGBluetooth smartbluetooth smart readyBluetooth Special Interest Groupbluetooth v4.0bluetooth wirelessBluetooth4.0BluetoothSigBluetoothSmartBluetoothSmartReadyBluetoothSpecialInterestGroupBluetoothV4.0BluetoothWirelessminipostsmartsmart readySmartReadywirelessTue, 25 Oct 2011 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4S claims title of first Bluetooth 4.0 smartphone, ready to stream data from your cat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/iphone-4s-claims-title-of-first-bluetooth-4-0-smartphone-ready/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/iphone-4s-claims-title-of-first-bluetooth-4-0-smartphone-ready/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/iphone-4s-claims-title-of-first-bluetooth-4-0-smartphone-ready/#comments iPhone 4S The Bluetooth 4.0 specification may have been finalized in July of last year, but smartphones supporting the standard are just starting to hit the market. In fact, the first such handset is the iPhone 4S. That the 4S is the first to deliver its 4.0 wares to the American public is something that got lost in all the hubbub surrounding its launch. One of the biggest selling points of the latest version of the PAN standard is its low-power mode, though that wont have much of an impact on Apple's device. What it will enable the latest iGadget to do however, is act as a hub -- collecting data from multiple sensors and accessories simultaneously, such as heart rate monitors and cats. Don't expect this to be alone on the market for long, other manufacturers will certainly be squeezing support for the specification into their next flagship device.

iPhone 4S claims title of first Bluetooth 4.0 smartphone, ready to stream data from your cat originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneapple iphone 4sAppleIphoneAppleIphone4sbluetoothbluetooth 4bluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4Bluetooth4.0iphoneiphone 4sIphone4smobilepostcrosspanpersonal area networkPersonalAreaNetworkWed, 12 Oct 2011 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/acers-aspire-3951-leaks-with-macbook-air-like-specs-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/acers-aspire-3951-leaks-with-macbook-air-like-specs-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/acers-aspire-3951-leaks-with-macbook-air-like-specs-available/#comments
It looks like Acer may be dropping down to the lightweight laptop division, now that images of its so-called Aspire 3951 have leaked out of Vietnam. An ostensible rival to the recently refreshed MacBook Air, the 13.3-inch 3951 reportedly boasts a similarly slim design, measuring 13mm thick and weighing less than 1.4 kilograms (about three pounds). According to Sohoa, the aluminum-cased device is powered by a second generation Intel Core processor, features an optional 160GB SSD, and offers more than six hours of battery life, along with Bluetooth 4.0 support. Much like the Air, this Aspire can purportedly boot up pretty fast, as well, rousing from sleep mode in just 1.7 seconds. It's rumored that Acer will release this new line in October within the curiously affordable price range between $770 and $960, but we'll have to wait and see whether that actually comes to fruition. In the meantime, you can check out an extra image of the Aspire 3951 below, or hit the source link for the full collection.

[Thanks, @tranquochuyvn]

Update: Oddly enough, it appears that we've caught a glimpse of this exact same laptop before, except it was portrayed by M.I.C. Gadget as a Thunderbolt MacBook Air leak. Perhaps the folks received some bad intel, be it intentional or not.

Continue reading Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October?

Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13-inch160gbaceracer aspireAcerAspireairaspireaspire 3951Aspire3951battery lifeBatteryLifebluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0bootingCPUimageintelintel coreIntel Core iIntelCoreIntelCoreIlaptopleakmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirprocessorrumorssdvietnamTue, 09 Aug 2011 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[iFixit tears down new MacBook Air, beholds the miracle of backlighting]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/ifixit-tears-down-new-macbook-air-beholds-the-miracle-of-backli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/ifixit-tears-down-new-macbook-air-beholds-the-miracle-of-backli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/ifixit-tears-down-new-macbook-air-beholds-the-miracle-of-backli/#comments Warranties be damned, iFixit got its hands on the newly announced MacBook Air and immediately did its thing, digging into the super-thin laptop like a kid at Christmas. Not all that much to see from the outside of the device, save for that new Thunderbolt port and some shiny new keyboard backlighting. Things are a bit different inside, however, including an Intel Core i5 processor, a Bluetooth 4.0 chip, and a general lack of thermal paste. As for putting the thing back together again -- the Air scores a four out of ten for repairability, so maybe don't try this at home.

iFixit tears down new MacBook Air, beholds the miracle of backlighting originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple macbookAppleMacbookbacklightbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0ifixitkeyboardmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirteardownThu, 21 Jul 2011 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth SIG takes aim at sensor market, adds Apple and Nordic to board of directors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/bluetooth-sig-takes-aim-at-sensor-market-adds-apple-and-nordic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/bluetooth-sig-takes-aim-at-sensor-market-adds-apple-and-nordic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/bluetooth-sig-takes-aim-at-sensor-market-adds-apple-and-nordic/#commentsThe Bluetooth Special Interest Group (aka Bluetooth SIG) has some fairly grand plans for the future of its wireless technology, and it's now recruited some big players to help get it there. The group announced yesterday that it's added both Apple and Nordic Semiconductor to its board of directors -- companies that it says will help it "drive Bluetooth technology's expansion into platform and sensor markets." In particular, the group is setting its sights on wireless health sensors, which it hopes to finally gain a real foothold in thanks the lower power requirements of the Bluetooth 4.0 standard, and thanks to the experience of Nordic, which has a long history of working with such devices. Full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Bluetooth SIG takes aim at sensor market, adds Apple and Nordic to board of directors

Bluetooth SIG takes aim at sensor market, adds Apple and Nordic to board of directors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth sigBluetooth4.0BluetoothSighealthhealth sensorsHealthSensorsnordicnordic semiconductorNordicSemiconductorsensorsThu, 23 Jun 2011 05:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Heart-rate monitoring belt marks Bluetooth 4.0 milestone, stops to rest for Bluetooth 4.0 phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/heart-rate-monitoring-belt-marks-bluetooth-4-0-milestone-stops/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/heart-rate-monitoring-belt-marks-bluetooth-4-0-milestone-stops/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/heart-rate-monitoring-belt-marks-bluetooth-4-0-milestone-stops/#comments Heart monitoring belt marks Bluetooth 4.0 milestone, stops to rest for Bluetooth 4.0 phones Some firsts represent truly monumental achievements. Others, like the world's first production-ready Bluetooth Low Energy heart-rate chest belt, are just a mouthful. This little black belt claims to be the very first of its kind, and promises to "spur the development of a whole new range of... health and fitness apps," by harnessing the power of Bluetooth Low Energy to pump heart rate stats to your mobile phone. Of course, that deluge of new fitness apps will have to wait until a Bluetooth 4.0-compatible phone hits the market. In the meantime, we wouldn't expect the black chest strap to pioneer any new fashion trends.

Heart-rate monitoring belt marks Bluetooth 4.0 milestone, stops to rest for Bluetooth 4.0 phones originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeltBlue Toothbluetoothbluetooth 4bluetooth 4.0Bluetooth Heart Rate BeltBluetooth4Bluetooth4.0BluetoothHeartRateBeltDayton IndustrialDaytonIndustrialfitnesshealthheart rateHeart Rate Beltheart rate monitorHeart Rate Monitoring BeltHeartRateHeartRateBeltHeartRateMonitorHeartRateMonitoringBeltmonitorNordic SemiconductorNordicSemiconductorspvital monitorVitalMonitorSat, 11 Jun 2011 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/qualcomm-unleashes-tri-band-wifi-and-new-mobile-wireless-chipset/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/qualcomm-unleashes-tri-band-wifi-and-new-mobile-wireless-chipset/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/qualcomm-unleashes-tri-band-wifi-and-new-mobile-wireless-chipset/#commentsQualcomm and WiGigQualcomm might be all juiced up about getting its Snapdragon processor in 250 upcoming devices, but that doesn't mean the company has forgotten its wireless roots. The San Diego-based chip maker announced that its partnership with Wilocity has finally bore fruit in the form of the AR9004TB chipset. This tri-band wireless setup adds 60GHz WiGig to the usual 2.4 and 5GHz dual-band 802.11n formula for "multi-gigabit in-room performance." Though far from finalized, the 802.11ad standard being pushed by the WiGig alliance should be able to hit speeds of 5Gbps -- more than enough to blast several HD video streams around your home. It also packs Bluetooth 4.0 for your less bandwidth intensive (and more battery sensitive) computing needs. Going smaller scale, Qualcomm also unveiled the WCN3660, a wireless chipset to complement its Snapdragon CPU in smartphones and tablets. Inside this sliver of silicon is a dual-band Wi-Fi radio, Bluetooth 4.0, and an FM radio. It also supports Wi-Fi Display (not to be confused with WiDi) for beaming video to a WiFi-enabled TV or monitor. Head on after the break for more PR than you can shake an antenna at.

Continue reading Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset

Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4ghz5ghz60GHz802.11ad802.11nAR9004TBAtherosbluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0dual-bandfmfm radioFmRadioQualcommQualcomm AtherosQualcommAtherostri-bandWCN3660Wi-Fi DisplayWi-fiDisplaywifiwigigwigig allianceWigigAllianceWilocitywirelessWed, 01 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Casio shows Bluetooth Low Energy watch prototype, awaits Bluetooth Low Energy phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/casio-shows-bluetooth-low-energy-watch-prototype-awaits-bluetoo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/casio-shows-bluetooth-low-energy-watch-prototype-awaits-bluetoo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/casio-shows-bluetooth-low-energy-watch-prototype-awaits-bluetoo/#comments Sony Ericsson, Citizen, and others have been taking occasional shots at integrating Bluetooth into wrist-bound baubles for several years now, but the problems have been pretty obvious -- Bluetooth wasn't really optimized to transfer nibble-sized chunks of information while sipping almost imperceptible amounts of power, so you end up with a watch that dies in hours or days rather than years. That's where Casio comes into play, showing off a prototype watch here at CES that makes use of Bluetooth Low Energy to connect to your phone and keep you abreast of calls and emails without the hassle of pulling the handset out of your pocket (or, worse yet, your belt-mounted holster). You can also silence alarms just by tapping on the watch, get your time synced, and generally look awesome while doing it -- if it were a production unit, that is. Problem is that there aren't any phones on the market with Bluetooth 4.0 support just yet, but Casio's confident enough that they're in the pipeline to say that they want to product their first BLE-enabled retail watches in 2011. The company is claiming two years of battery life off a single coin cell assuming twelve hours of use a day... so yeah, the benefits for this type of product are pretty clear. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Casio shows Bluetooth Low Energy watch prototype, awaits Bluetooth Low Energy phones

Casio shows Bluetooth Low Energy watch prototype, awaits Bluetooth Low Energy phones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth low energyBluetooth4.0BluetoothLowEnergycasiocesces 2011ces2011watchwristwatchWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atheros debuts first Bluetooth 4 / 802.11n system-in-package]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/atheros-debuts-first-bluetooth-4-802-11n-system-in-package/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/atheros-debuts-first-bluetooth-4-802-11n-system-in-package/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/atheros-debuts-first-bluetooth-4-802-11n-system-in-package/#commentsYou know Atheros, right? The company known for its various wireless networking products has just announced a little something called the AR6233. Billed as "the first SIP solution to support the new Bluetooth 4.0 standard," this system-in-package (that's what SIP stands for -- but you already knew that) sports the aforementioned Bluetooth radio, as well as 802.11n "with a near-zero impact on the battery life of portable devices." Sounds like just the thing for your handcrafted boutique cellphone startup! The architecture works with ARM or x86 processors, and is expected to be in volume production in Q2, 2011. PR after the break.

Continue reading Atheros debuts first Bluetooth 4 / 802.11n system-in-package

Atheros debuts first Bluetooth 4 / 802.11n system-in-package originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nARMatherosbluetoothbluetooth 4bluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4Bluetooth4.0OEMSIPsystem in packageSystemInPackagewifiwirelessx86Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth 4.0 specification gets official, devices expected by Q4 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/bluetooth-4-0-specification-gets-official-devices-expected-by-q/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/bluetooth-4-0-specification-gets-official-devices-expected-by-q/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/bluetooth-4-0-specification-gets-official-devices-expected-by-q/#commentsOutside of Samsung's Wave, we're having a hard time thinking of a meaningful device that has shipped with Bluetooth 3.0 onboard. Kind of crazy when you think about it, being that the protocol offered some pretty promising stuff when it went official in April of 2009. Fast forward to today, and it looks as if the Bluetooth SIG is storming forward regardless, as the Bluetooth 4.0 core specification has now been adopted with "low energy technology" as the standout feature. This step means that companies can begin to work towards integration of BT 4.0 in actual end-user products, and if the SIG has its way, the tech will begin to show up in minuscule devices that haven't been able to take advantage of Bluetooth thus far. In fact, they want this stuff in applications "not even possible or imagined today." Looks like someone better get those imagination gears turning, 'cause Q4 2010 certainly isn't an eternity from now.

Continue reading Bluetooth 4.0 specification gets official, devices expected by Q4 2010

Bluetooth 4.0 specification gets official, devices expected by Q4 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>approvedbluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth sigBluetooth4.0BluetoothSigBTlow energyLowEnergyprotocolshort-rangeshort-range wirelessShort-rangeWirelessstandardwirelessWed, 07 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth 4.0 with low energy (almost) finally ready to roll]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/bluetooth-4-0-with-low-energy-almost-finally-ready-to-roll/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/bluetooth-4-0-with-low-energy-almost-finally-ready-to-roll/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/bluetooth-4-0-with-low-energy-almost-finally-ready-to-roll/#comments
Molasses, snails and glaciers: none are slower than an organization developing a new wireless standard. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is no exception -- it's been nearly three years since it announced it would roll Wibree into Bluetooth and four months since it made Bluetooth 4.0 official, but still no dice. This week, the SIG says the low-power specification is ready for action, its minutiae finalized. However, fine print in the org's press release disagrees. The main reason for Bluetooth 4.0 was to include lower power devices, but that all-important integration is still pending a "before June 2010" completion date. That means we still won't see Bluetooth-toting cats till the end of the year, and we have no idea what SIG has accomplished in the meanwhile. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Bluetooth 4.0 with low energy (almost) finally ready to roll

Bluetooth 4.0 with low energy (almost) finally ready to roll originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothBluetooth 4Bluetooth 4.0bluetooth low energybluetooth SIGBluetooth4Bluetooth4.0BluetoothLowEnergyBluetoothSigBTdelaylow energylow powerLowEnergyLowPowerspecificationspecificationsWibreeWed, 21 Apr 2010 06:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth 4.0 devices to make the scene later this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/bluetooth-4-0-devices-to-make-the-scene-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/bluetooth-4-0-devices-to-make-the-scene-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/bluetooth-4-0-devices-to-make-the-scene-later-this-year/#commentsWe were glad to see Bluetooth low energy actually added to the Bluetooth 4.0 spec, but of course the question remained: when are we going to get our hands on it? By Q4 this year, apparently -- at least according to the Bluetooth SIG. But don't expect any dramatic changes in battery life for most of your gadgets: while the low energy spec introduces connectivity to a host of lower-power devices that have in the past relied on proprietary technology (such as watches, pedometers, and cats), your traditional Bluetooth devices, such as phones and laptops, will consume roughly the same amount of power. Indeed, the low energy spec is merely throwing smaller devices (with smaller amounts of data to transfer) in to the mix: if you want Trans-Siberian Orchestra to sound as glorious as ever on your wireless headphones, you'll need to push as much data (and hence draw as much power) with version 4 as you would with version 3. If you've ever heard "A Mad Russian's Christmas," you'd know what we're talking about.

Bluetooth 4.0 devices to make the scene later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth low energybluetooth sigBluetooth4.0BluetoothLowEnergyBluetoothSiglow energyLowEnergywibreeFri, 05 Mar 2010 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth 4.0 finally rolls low energy tech into a shipping standard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/bluetooth-4-0-finally-rolls-low-energy-tech-into-a-shipping-stan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/bluetooth-4-0-finally-rolls-low-energy-tech-into-a-shipping-stan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/bluetooth-4-0-finally-rolls-low-energy-tech-into-a-shipping-stan/#comments Bluetooth low energy and its predecessors (think Wibree) have been in the pipe for ages now, but we might actually see this tech take off en masse for the first time now that the Bluetooth SIG has officially added it into a release: 4.0. While Bluetooth 3.0 was all about high energy with the introduction of WiFi transfer, 4.0 takes things down a notch by certifying single-mode low energy devices in addition to dual-mode devices that incorporate both the low energy side of the spec plus either 2.1+EDR or 3.0. In a nutshell, the technology should bring a number of new categories and form factors of wireless devices into the fold since 1Mbps Bluetooth low energy can operate on coin cells -- the kinds you find in wristwatches, calculators, and remote controls -- and the SIG's pulling no punches by saying that "with today's announcement the race is on for product designers to be the first to market." Nokia pioneered Wibree, so you can bet they'll be among the frontrunners -- bring it, guys.

Bluetooth 4.0 finally rolls low energy tech into a shipping standard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth low energybluetooth sigBluetooth4.0BluetoothLowEnergyBluetoothSiglow energyLowEnergywibreeThu, 17 Dec 2009 21:23:00 EST