Bluetooth have published a press release saying they are “ready to roll” with Bluetooth 4.0, and it is expected to launch by the end of Q2. Bluetooth 4.0 will feature a low energy mode, which is expected to make some big waves in m-health, sports and fitness, security and home entertainment scenarios where button-cell battery devices proliferate.
Bluetooth 4.0 is a combination of three specifications: classic Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth low energy technology, and Bluetooth high speed technology. These three specifications can be combined or used separately depending on the device’s needs. Another awesome update is that while current Bluetooth has a range of around 30 feet, Bluetooth 4.0 will be able to be optimized for a range of 200 feet and more.
It should be interesting to see what implications this will have for BlackBerry and apps, particularly with this new range. Anything really cool with Bluetooth has always been a little impeded by its short range, and I think we’re going to see some interesting networked apps. Even though Bluetooth 4.0 will be launching end of Q2, it will obviously take some time after that before we see it on BlackBerry. Perhaps we’ll see it on all OS 6 devices.
More details available in the press release.
