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        Updated Bluetooth stack enhances mobile device capabilities

        Doug | Date: Jun 1, 2005 | Comments: 1


        Broadcom has released a new version of its Bluetooth software for Windows. "WIDCOMM BTW" (Bluetooth for Windows) version 5.0 includes the "widest array of Bluetooth profiles in the industry" and adds several features designed to simplify the interaction between PCs and other devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and printers, according to the company.



        Broadcom notes that BTW Version 5.0 extends many of the PC's native functions -- such as printers or external speakers -- to Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, allowing the PC to act as a "personal connectivity hub" for multiple mobile devices.

        Broadcom lists the following Bluetooth profiles newly supported in version 5.0 of BTW:
        • HCRP (Hard Copy Cable Replacement) -- enables Bluetooth to work as a direct wire replacement technology, allowing for a very straightforward link between a printer and host device

        • Basic Printing Profile -- functions as a printer rendering engine to simplify printing from devices such as cell phones and PDAs

        • Basic Imaging Profile -- simplifies the management of images between Bluetooth devices

        • A/V Sink -- allows the user to play music from an MP3 player, mobile phone or PDA to a PC

        • Printer Sink -- enables PDAs, cellular phones or other devices to send print jobs through PCs to printers
        Availability

        WIDCOMM BTW Version 5.0 software is currently shipping to "early access partners," with full commercial availability expected in the third quarter of 2005, according to Broadcom.


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