Bluetooth to include UWB in future specs

Bluetooth will incorporate the emerging Ultra Wideband (UWB) into its future specifications, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has revealed. The non-profit organisation oversees the specification for the wireless technology.

The decision allows Bluetooth significantly to increase bandwidth in its future specifications, as well as provide a smooth upgrade path for users who already own Bluetooth devices.

The bundling of the two wireless technologies also prevents confusion among consumers, according to Michael Foley, executive director at the Bluetooth SIG.

"I feel that it is the responsibility of the industry to recognise synergies and limit fragmentation as much as possible," he said.

"Joint development between Bluetooth and UWB is the fastest and most economical path for both technologies to meet the future demands of companies and end users."

The collaboration allows UWB to profit from the Bluetooth brand recognition, which can speed up user adoption.

Both technologies enable so-called wireless personal area networks. Bluetooth offers data speeds of just a few megabits per second and has a range of 10 metres. It is primarily used in mobile phones and wireless headsets.

UWB, also known as IEEE 802.15.3a, promises to deliver short-range, high bandwidth wireless connections of several hundred megabits per second up to two gigabits per second over a distance of four metres. It is designed to connect consumer electronics devices and provide wireless streaming video.

The standard is currently being developed, but backers are divided between the opposing WiMedia Alliance and the UWB Forum.