Bluetooth 3.0 Promises To Be Much Faster

The Bluetooth SIG has formally adopted Bluetooth Core Specification Version 3.0 High Speed (HS), better known as simply Bluetooth 3.0. This will offer significantly faster data transfers than its predecessors.

The new version of this short-range wireless networking protocol gets its increase in speed by including a bit of Wi-Fi. The inclusion of the 802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) will allow for data transfers at up to 24 Mbps.

”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," said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG.

The goal of the new format it to allow users to move large data files of videos, music and photos between devices without the need for cables and wires. This includes wirelessly synchronizing music libraries between a PC and a music player or phone, sending groups of high-resolution photos to a printer or PC, or transferring video files from mobile device to a computer or TV.

Bluetooth 3.0 builds on the features of the current 2.1 EDR version, including Simple Secure Pairing and built-in, automatic security. Naturally, devices using the new version will be backward compatible.

Coming Next Year
Ratification from the Bluetooth SIG is just the first step in getting devices using this standard on the market. The next step is in the hands of wireless chip manufacturers, who need to make products using it. This process has already started.

The SIG says products for consumers with Bluetooth 3.0 are expected to be in the market in 9 months to a year.

Source: Bluetooth SIG