Bluetooth version 2.1 specification release coming soon

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Bluetooth SIG, the governing body behind the popular personal area networking (PAN) standard, is taking the wraps off the next generation of the short-range network protocol. The Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.1 + EDR document lays blueprints for improvements in battery life and device association, as well as the Enhanced Data Rate mode, a 3 Mbps operating speed.

Enhanced standby capabilities, known as "sniff subrating", are projected to improve battery life by a factor of at least three, allowing human interface devices such as computer mice and keyboards to remain in a low-power state more often.

Bluetooth SIG is promising the best of both worlds for critics of the technology. According to the group, device pairing will be greatly simplified with single-button and menu-driven options on common Bluetooth-enabled handsets. A new technology dubbed Near Field Communication will make it possible to pair devices simply by placing them in close quarters. At the same time, the SIG says it has tightened security both between devices and between network middlemen and access points.

The new Bluetooth spec is said to maintain full backwards compatibility with previous generation devices, of which the SIG claims there are one billion in the world at large with millions more shipping every day. Comparatively few existing devices will be upgradeable to the full capabilities of version 2.1, however. Bluetooth openly publishes its specifications but at press time the Version 2.1 document had not been posted.

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