Creating a productive study environment has never been easier thanks to the convenience afforded by Bluetooth wireless technology. Bluetooth enabled mice and keyboards can be used to create a clutter-free workspace and offer more freedom and flexibility when connecting to computers, PDA's and mobile phones. September has been declared "Bluetooth Input Month" by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), in order to highlight the many ways Bluetooth wireless technology improves interaction between devices.
"Bluetooth wireless technology is the number one choice for personal connectivity among a broad range of consumer electronic devices," said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. "As we move forward and continue to evolve in this space, we will leverage the technology's strengths such as small-form factor radio, low power, low cost, ease-of-use, and ad hoc networking abilities and continue to ensure interoperability among the broad range of input devices."
Bluetooth Enabled Mice
The addition of a Bluetooth enabled mouse enhances the PC experience. There are many models equipped with features such as a scrolling wheel that rolls Web and document pages up and down, and left and right buttons that enable the user to advance presentation slides, music or other media from a distance of up to 30 feet. Many of the new Bluetooth enabled models are half the size of previous versions so they can be used with a laptop while in class or when traveling -- offering a portable alternative to the touch-pad. Wireless mice such as the Logitech(R) V270 Cordless Optical Notebook Mouse and Microsoft's IntelliMouse Explorer offer extended battery life, innovative designs and efficient navigation capabilities.
Bluetooth Enabled Keyboards
Adding a Bluetooth keyboard to the PC and mouse scenario creates a more complete wireless desktop environment. Bluetooth enabled keyboards, such as the Logitech(R) Cordless Desktop(R) M(TM)X 5000 Laser and Logitech(R) diNovo(TM) Media Desktop Laser allow for a flexible work environment since they can be used at a distance from a PC. Bluetooth keyboards can also connect to mobile phones, smartphones and PDA's for a more convenient way to text message with friends or input data such as class schedules and homework assignments by avoiding the portable device's tiny keypads. Extending mobility and usefulness, companies are developing innovative, portable keyboard solutions such as iTech's Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard, a matchbox- sized laser keyboard that projects a full-sized virtual keyboard onto any surface that reacts like a traditional keyboard.
"Bluetooth wireless technology not only frees people from the desk and the confines of cords, it also makes it easy for people to share data with other Bluetooth enabled wireless devices," said Denis Pavillard, Logitech vice president of product marketing for desktops. "Logitech develops products that allow people to work, play, and communicate, and Bluetooth wireless technology certainly helps us deliver on that promise."
The market for Bluetooth input devices will continue to expand. Innovative new use cases are under development, such as a two-way remote control where consumers can view the TV on the remote device and the television screen. These types of use cases will expand scenarios for Bluetooth input devices into the digital home environment and other areas that require more power.
The SIG recently launched the Experience Icon Program to guide and help consumers purchase interoperable products implementing Bluetooth wireless technology. Products containing the Input icon contain the Human Interface Device Profile (HID), which allows for complete interoperability among a range of devices. When consumers and retailers see the Input icon, they will know at a glance that the device in question wirelessly connects mice, keyboards, game controllers and other input/output devices to computers, PDA's and game consoles.
Input - The input icon shows that you can control as well as input data wirelessly to a device. This makes for fewer cables on your desk and improved control over portable devices without using the tiny, built-in keyboards.
About Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology
Bluetooth wireless technology is the global short-range wireless standard for personal connectivity of a broad range of electronic devices. The technology is now available in its fourth version of the core specification and continues to develop, building on its inherent strengths -- small-form factor radio, low power, low cost, built-in security, robustness, ease-of-use, and ad hoc networking abilities. Three new Bluetooth enabled products are qualified every day and 10 million Bluetooth units are shipping per week. The installed base of Bluetooth devices was over 500 million products at the end of 2005 and is projected to surpass one billion by the end of 2006, making it the only proven choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide.
About the Bluetooth SIG
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, consumer electronics, automotive and network industries, is driving development of Bluetooth wireless technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes Promoter group companies Agere, Ericsson, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, along with over 5500 Associate and Adopter member companies. The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. headquarters are located in Bellevue, Washington, U.S.A. For more information please visit http://www.bluetooth.com .
The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Press Contacts:
Americas
Starr Million
INK Public Relations for the Bluetooth SIG
+1 (512) 382-8981
starr@ink-pr.com
Asia-Pacific
Eddie Chan
Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd. for the Bluetooth SIG
+852 2894-6214
eddie.chan@hillandknowlton.com.hk
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Danny Devriendt
Porter Novelli for the Bluetooth SIG
+32 475353465
danny.devriendt@porternovelli.be