Ever since Ericsson and its partners announced Bluetooth in May 1998, corporations and consumers have been looking forward to see applications and working products using Bluetooth technology. At CeBIT this year, Ericsson took the Bluetooth vision of universal wireless connectivity one step closer to reality when they demonstrated mobile phone adapters, headsets and PC Cards using the technology. Also on display were components, modules and development kits for developers.
Ericsson demonstrated five different Bluetooth prototype products developed according to an early version of the Bluetooth specification. Wireless Internet browsing was demonstrated by using a Bluetooth enabled Ericsson mobile phone and a portable PC equipped with an Ericsson Bluetooth PC Card. Ericsson also took the opportunity to launch their Bluetooth web site (address below).
Visitors tried on a headset, which connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth. The mobile phone can be carried in a backpack or a shirt pocket, and without the hassle of cables it is possible to initiate, carry on and end a conversation, using this stylish wireless Ericsson headset in blue and subdued silver.
Also demonstrated was the Instant Postcard application, which has been developed by Casio and Ericsson. A picture was taken with a digital Casio camera. This picture was then sent wirelessly using a Bluetooth link to a mobile phone and then via the GSM network to a receiver who could then download the picture to a PC.
One spectacular demo was the Bluetooth Infowear, which is a PDA in the format of a wrist watch. This device stores your most important information, such as address book, calendar and e-mails. As soon as it gets within reach of the user’s computer it automatically and wirelessly synchronizes information with the PC.
The applications and demo products showed at the Ericsson booth clearly demonstrated that the Bluetooth technology will revolutionize wireless connectivity and communications. The technology has had a huge following, the number of adopter companies soon exceeding 500, making this one of the fastest spread technologies in history. Engineers are practically standing in line to start developing applications using the technology for a wide range of industries; telecom, computing, home electronics and automotive.
For these engineers, Ericsson demonstrated the Ericsson Bluetooth Development Kit, which enables early adopters of the technology to accelerate the production of prototype applications quickly and easily. It provides a complete and flexible design environment where engineers can seamlessly integrate the new open Bluetooth wireless specification into a range of digital devices for volume production. The kit’s scaleable architecture demonstrates the core features of Bluetooth technology, allowing developers to create an integrated application board to prototype products, thus saving time to concentrate on core competencies.
Also on show at CeBIT ’99 was the new logotype for Bluetooth.
All Bluetooth-devices shown at CeBIT ’99 are prototypes only, developed with the purpose of demonstrating Bluetooth technology and user scenarios. They do not represent any future product launches from Ericsson.
Bluetooth is a global technology that provides a wireless, short-range radio connection with instant and effortless synchronisation between a number of devices. It is developed by a Special Interest Group, consisting of Ericsson, Intel, IBM, Nokia and Toshiba and based on Ericsson radio technology. First commercial products are expected on market late 1999.
Please visit the newly launched Ericsson Bluetooth web site at: http://www.bluetooth.ericsson.com and also the Bluetooth web site at: http://www.bluetooth.com.
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