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Synching with Bluetooth: no more wires for PDA users

Pico Communications, the Bluetooth solutions provider, has launched the PicoBlue Internet Access Point in the US.

This device enables PDA or other Bluetooth enabled users within a 100 meter range to synchronise their devices with a corporate network, and with the internet. Up to seven devices can be synchronised concurrently. These devices can be dotted around a company site to provide instant access for users wherever they might be on the premises.

The announcement was made at the recent PalmSource Developers' Conference. However the Internet access point is compatible with any Bluetooth device such as laptops or smartphones to the company Ethernet.

Based around Bluetooth 1.1 core technology, and up to 128 bit link level authentication and encryption, Pico says that PicoBlue supports DSL- level speeds to enable all of the commonly used applications such as email, web browsing, database access, and even streaming video.

Currently, the industry benchmark speed is around 400 Kbps (Pico is at 360 Kbps) as no one has, as yet, achieved the "quality driven channel data rate." Once this has been achieved, it is claimed that PicoBlue will be able to support speeds up to 723 Kbps.

PicoBlue is compatible with Palm OS versions 4.1 and greater. The company is not willing to comment at this stage as to whether there will be enhancements with the forthcoming OS 5 version.

PicoBlue is currently available at BlueUnplugged , and directly from Pico Communications . It is expected to be available later at The Palm Store . The company says that it is currently exploring distribution partners outside of the US.