Broadcom has unveiled BCM4325, a chip that supports WiFi, Bluetooth and FM radio. With the use of proprietary “InConcert” algorithms, the chip is able to address interference issues between Bluetooth and WiFi. Such problems normally happen in the past when radios operate in the same spectrum — both Bluetooth and WiFi tap the 2.4GHz band. The company claimed that the combined features would reduce active and idle power consumption by 40 percent and create 50 percent free space on the chip.
Via [cbronline.com]
Archive for the 'Bluetooth' Category
Atheros has rolled out the new Atheros AR3011, the company’s first Radio-on-Chip for Mobile (ROCm) product for shorter-range wireless technology, which is normally used in cell phones. But the chip, according to Srinivas Pattamatta, senior product marketing manager for mobile and embedded products at Atheros, is intended primarily for PCs and not mobile handsets. Pattamatta said the 6×6mm square package houses 60 percent fewer components than similar products. This in turn results in cost savings amounting to 20 percent.
The AR3011 complies with Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) specification, which the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) under the code name of Lisbon is currently finalizing. The company intends to offer the product along with Wi-Fi chips supporting draft-802.11n, 802.11a/g or 11g by itself.
Via [wi-fiplanet.com]
The breakthrough bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS) chip announced today by IBM at the International Solid State Circuits Conference may be exactly what the IEEE had in mind when it convened task force 802.15.3c in March of last year. But the chip that would make it possible for high-definition CE devices to stream content between each other at gigabit speeds, may face an uphill challenge over the next three years, as IBM campaigns for it to become the backbone of the future wireless broadband home network.
Via [tgdaily.com]
The IEEE has abandoned its effort to create a UWB standard, but has agreed on a draft for the next generation of WiFi, 802.11n. The conventional wisdom is that this week’s events are great news for Wi-Fi, and a disaster for Ultra-Wide Band, UWB, and by association, Bluetooth. In fact, the exact opposite is likely to be the judgment of the future.
Via [theregister.co.uk]
Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. introduced the Pharos Traveler GPS 525, the first Pocket GPS to include WiFi, Bluetooth, and Windows Mobile 5.0 software. The device is also among the smallest integrated wireless GPS devices in the industry.
Via [geekzone.co.nz]
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group is planning to co-operate more closely with the Wi-Fi, Ultra-wideband (UWB) and Near Field Communications (NFC) wireless standards.
Via [vnunet.com]
Embarking on a long term wireless integration collaboration, Burton Snowboards and Motorola Inc. recently revealed plans to launch a collection of Bluetooth-enabled winter gear for snowboarding tech types that want to stay connected.
Via [pcmag.com]
WLAN (wireless LAN) using the WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) IEEE 802.11b/g protocol is becoming standard in PCs and laptop computers, and it is making its way into PDAs and other portable data appliances. At the same time, Bluetooth is arising as a wireless-serial-cable replacement for headsets and microphones in all kinds of mobile-system applications. They are not exactly market competitors, but they share the same frequency band, and, without careful design, that scenario means trouble.
Via [edn.com]
I have a serious case of Bluetooth envy. My wife came home with a new Motorola cell phone with Bluetooth, which uses radio links to transfer data. With a Bluetooth chip buried in her car stereo, she can make and take calls, hands-free, while driving — even with the phone still in her handbag.
Via [fastcompany.com]
Network equipment maker Alcatel said it will offer network operators access to the technology, which in turn will enable them to offer subscribers a broader range of choices for accessing various mobile services, including mobile voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calling, data services and mobile commerce.
Via [technewsworld.com]
The hodgepodge of incompatible wireless networking technologies is about to get a bit smaller, as companies working on Bluetooth and ultrawideband are combining their efforts.
Via [news.com.com]
Bluetooth — a short-range wireless technology — is finally coming of age.
Via [mercurynews.com]
In an attempt to dispel concerns about the technology’s future, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group this week will unveil its road map out to 2006.
Via [commsdesign.com]
Intel plans to integrate Bluetooth onto its next-generation Wi-Fi sub-system, it has emerged.
Via [theregister.co.uk]
Wireless Lans Point To Bluetooth Decay
Bluetooth will be killed off by wireless Lan technology, according to research released today by Analysys.
Via [vnunet.com]