03/21, 7:45pm
Bluetooth to use GNSS to get map data
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has cleared a proposal to more explicitly add location awareness to the standard. Bluetooth 2.0 and up devices will have the option of using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) profile, which will let a GPS-aware device share its location data with other Bluetooth hardware. Implementing GNSS could let a smartphone share its position with a dedicated camera, tablet, or other device without having special code.
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03/08, 7:05am
New iPad first with Bluetooth 4.0 Smart Ready
Bluetooth SIG has made it known that Apple’s new iPad is the first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet on the market. The new ultra-low power Bluetooth 4.0 technology in the iPad remains backwards compatible with existing Bluetooth devices such as Apple’s wireless keyboard and any Bluetooth 2.0-equipped speakers, for example. However, as a Smart Ready hub, the new iPad will be able to connect to new Bluetooth Smart devices including wireless keyboards that won’t require a change of batteries for the life of the new iPad.
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02/20, 7:55pm
Phone said ot be headed for North America
The Bluetooth industry association appears to have indirectly confirmed the existence of Nokia's Lumia 710 handset. The mystery device was first referenced in rumors ahead of CES, however Nokia has yet to make an official announcement.
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12/20, 11:10am
NFC Forum, Bluetooth SIG out interoperation doc
The NFC Forum and Bluetooth SIG have come together to produce an application document meant for developers that details how the two standards will interact together. Titled Bluetooth secure simple pairing using NFC (PDF), the document talks about how smartphones and other NFC and Bluetooth-enabled devices will communicate wirelessly with other devices like headsets and headphones, in-vehicle entertainment systems and connected TVs. The new standards and NFC tech should save time, as it will no longer require users to punch in passwords in both devices, but simply tap them together to enable the Bluetooth connection.
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09/27, 9:40pm
Ties in withexpected Verizon launch in November
Samsung is apparently taking the final steps it needs to prepare the Nexus Prime for launch. The phone maker has listed its GT-i9250, believed to be the GSM version of the Nexus Prime smartphone, with the Bluetooth SIG. This is usually done shortly before a product begins shipping.
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02/15, 12:10pm
Symbian smartphone has 3G, Ovi apps, free email
What may be the latest in Nokia's C5 line has surfaced on the Bluetooth SIG's gadget guide. According to the description, the Nokia C5-04 is a touchscreen smartphone that runs the Symbian OS. It has 3G HSDPA access and comes with free Ovi maps and voice navigation. The image accompanying the description shows the phone branded as a T-Mobile handset.
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01/11, 7:35pm
Launch date remains unclear
INQ's Cloud Touch handset has surfaced at the Bluetooth SIG for qualification tests, suggesting the device is one step closer to arriving on the market. The listing also provides a brief description of the device, which is already expected to maintain a focus on Facebook functionality. The Android-based smartphone is said to be designed for "faster and smarter" messaging, with Facebook "built into its core."
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09/30, 5:55pm
Ruby project was thought to be dropped
The rumored RAZR sequel, initially referred to as Ruby, has reemerged with the name Motorola V13. Reports late last year suggested the company decided to drop the entire project. However the device was recently approved by the Bluetooth SIG, likely indicating Motorola has continued to push forward with the Ruby.
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04/13, 9:40am
HTC Fiesta Android phone
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has shed some light on an upcoming headset from HTC, codenamed the Fiesta. The Bluetooth SIG simply classifies the phone as an Android handset, meaning it will ship with the open-source operating system developed by Google. Little other information was unveiled about the Fiesta, other than it will be made available in Asia, Europe and North America. Considering the source of the information, it is likely to have Bluetooth capabilities as well and other smartphone features.
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