14 DAY TRIAL // The Bluetooth Special Interest Group will adopt the Bluetooth 2.1 standard for their future devices. The technology is meant to be an upgrade capable of bringing some considerable advantages for a wide range of devices.
The new version makes it easier for handset users to connect their devices with others packing the Bluetooth technology. All that they have to do is turn on their headset and then select the "Add Bluetooth device" option on the mobile phone. The device will automatically connect to the headset immediately after.
"This leap forward in usability further improves the Bluetooth experience and makes the technology easy for anyone to enjoy", said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. "Also, in our effort to unite wireless technologies, Version 2.1 + EDR enables the ultra short range technology called Near Field Communication (NFC) for a pairing scenario that is as simple as touching the products together", he further said.
The new technology of Sniff Subrating manages to improve battery life up to five times in devices that requires constant use of data. This includes mice, keyboards, watches, home sensor networks and medical devices, aside from mobile phones.
Bluetooth 2.1 will also include another method of pairing through this technology. In this case, a six-digit password will safeguard against hijacking. The improved pairing also offers "Man in the Middle" Protection. This eliminates the possibility for an undetected middle man intercepting information transmitted through Bluetooth.
Bluetooth v2.1+ EDR chips will be available immediately for a fast introduction and the first products will follow by the end of the year. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group hopes that transition towards the 2.1 will see a smooth path and it will soon become the main standard to use in the case of mobile devices. An exact date when this will happen has not been specified.