Next Gen Bluetooth 3.0 On the Way

Submitted by jax on Sun, 07/13/2008 - 19:51.

Join Top Tech Site and post your articles.

Bluetooth 3.0 code-named Seattle (the version number of which is TBD) is the new Bluetooth wireless standard currently in development by the Bluetooth SIG and Wi-Media Alliance.

The new standard is reportedly up to 160 times as fast as Bluetooth 2.1, and builds upon the previous standards.

With such a rapid jump in transfer speeds, the technology has the potential to revolutionize the consumer electronics industry.

Integrating Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technologies, the next-generation Bluetooth will operate at short distances up to 30 feet like today's Bluetooth 2.0, but at much faster speeds: It's allegedly capable of wireless transfers at a rate of 480Mbps, or 60MB per second. This speed blows past the pokier Bluetooth 2.0, which maxes out at a mere 721Kbps, plus it's fast enough for high-definition video conferencing and large file transfers.
There could be some competition though, as it's yet unknown how the new Bluetooth will interact with other wireless protocols using similar technology, such as Wireless USB (also rated at 480Mbps).
That could be an interesting battle...we'll keep you posted on this burgeoning technology as it develops.