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BlueCore for PC with hardware and software combined takes Bluetooth to 3 megabits

This takes Bluetooth into slow video. It is the latest in Cambridge Silicon Radio's BlueCore4 Bluetooth silicon family. It's described as "a complete notebook and desktop Bluetooth solution with hardware and software combined," and it's called BlueCore4-PC.

This uses Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) Bluetooth - or will do when that is generally available. It's "ready" is the way CSR puts it; when everybody else is ready, it will mean speeds of up to a theoretical maximum of three megabits per second.

In the real world, standard Bluetooth doesn't run at the theoretical max of one megabit, so when CSR says that EDR BlueCore4 "runs three times faster than conventional Bluetooth" that's probably a better guide to the data payload you'll get through it.

Put into context, the highest-fidelity Internet radios are 128 kilobits per second, and most of them run at 48 kilobits; so this takes Bluetooth well beyond fidelity sound, and into low-speed video.

"The three megabit per second data rate means that users are more easily able to connect to multiple devices," is the way CSR sees it. "It will also allow advanced applications such as audio data streaming. For instance, with BlueCore4-PC, a user is able to listen to streaming audio via a stereo headset through a Bluetooth connection, while also using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse - as well as wirelessly synchronising their PDA and PC and using a Bluetooth webcam."

The hardware software combination is a result of teamwork (says CSR) between Bluetooth software specialist IVT, to provide a complete Bluetooth solution for PC OEMs.

"As well as running at three times the speed of conventional Bluetooth, BlueCore4-PC includes a wide range of Bluetooth profiles particularly suitable for PC users, such as HID (Human Interface Device) for mouse and keyboard connectivity, auto pairing, AV and AV remote control profiles."

Simon Finch, VP strategic marketing, CSR, commented with the modest British understatement we are so accustomed to in press releases: "BlueCore4-PC is the most comprehensive Bluetooth solution for PCs on the market today, including both hardware and software for the latest in Bluetooth technology."

Finch claims that development cost will be the advantage; this new bundle of hard and software should get OEM customers in the PC business into EDR Bluetooth far quicker than they were able to get the earlier versions going. More information can be found at the partner web site