Bluetooth Versions
Bluetooth Specification Version 1.1 and Earlier
Several Bluetooth specification versions have been released since Bluetooth technology was introduced in 1998.Versions 1.0 and 1.0B had too many problems and restraints for manufacturers to successfully develop Bluetooth devices. The main issue was the lack of interoperability among devices. The Bluetooth Core Specification version 1.1 is the first truly successful operating version of Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth 1.1 corrected many of the problems found in the earlier versions. As a result: Devices using Bluetooth 1.1 have much greater interoperability.
Bluetooth Version 1.2
Many new Bluetooth devices, like the latest cell phones, are being sold with the newer Bluetooth specification version 1.2. So, what new features/benefits does Bluetooth 1.2 offer?
Backward compatible with Bluetooth 1.1
Adaptive Frequency Hopping - helps reduce radio interference by eliminating the use of crowded frequencies in the hopping sequence
Faster transmission speeds (1 Mbps)
Extended Synchronous Connections Oriented links - improves voice quality of audio connections by enabling retransmissions of corrupted data.
Received Signal Strength Indicator
Host Controller Interface (HCI) support for 3-wire UART
HCI access to timing information for Bluetooth applications
Bluetooth Version 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
There may be multiple communication technologies, but they all share one thing in common: Faster is better. The Bluetooth SIG realized this, and worked on improving the speeds of Bluetooth version 1.2. Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR was announced by the Bluetooth SIG in June 2004 and began appearing in Bluetooth devices in late 2005.
Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR delivers data transfer rates up to three times faster than the original Bluetooth specification. Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR also provides enhanced multiple-connectivity. With Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, users will be able to more efficiently run multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time. As a result, Bluetooth Personal-Area Networks (PAN) or Piconets will become more common.
For example, users will have the ability to synchronize a Bluetooth enabled computer with a Bluetooth PDA, and at the same time they can listen to music using a pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones.
Computers and computer related devices have been some of the 1st devices to use Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, while audio and imaging devices are expected to follow shortly. Sony announced it will use Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR in its new PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 3 will reportedly use it for the wireless controllers.
Here is a listing of the main enhancements/features you will find with Bluetooth Specification Version 2.0 + EDR:
Backward compatible with previous Bluetooth versions
Three times faster transmission speed (10 times in some cases)
Enhanced data rate of up to 3 Mbps
Lower power consumption due to reduced duty cycles
Broadcast/multicast support
Simplification of multi-link scenarios due to more available bandwidth
Distributed media-access control protocols
Further improved Bit Error Rate performance
Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Enhancements with Bluetooth Core Version 2.1 + EDR include:
Improved Pairing
Enhanced Power Optimization
Bluetooth Version 3.0 + HS (High Speed)
Consumer devices using Bluetooth Version 3.0 + HS will take advantage of higher data rates utilizing the 802.11 radio while still maintaining the classic Bluetooth interface. With Version 3.0, high speed will no longer require an established network architechure.
There are two key features that consumers will benefit from Bluetooth 3.0 + HS:
Unicast Connectionless Data - lowers latency and provides faster more reliable experiences
Enhanced Power Control - ensures less dropouts; a common complaint amount Bluetooth users
Manufacturers will also benefit from Bluetooth Version 3.0 + HS. The quality of companies' Bluetooth products increase while, at the same time, reducing manufacturing costs. With testing now standardized and automated, getting new Bluetooth products to market will be much simpler and quicker.
Bluetooth technology is a wireless protocol that connects electronic devices while they are close to each another. Instead of creating a local-area network (LAN) or a wide-area network (WAN), Bluetooth creates a personal-area network (PAN) just for you. Cell phones, for example, can be paired with wireless Bluetooth headsets. When used in tandem with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone and successfully paired, you can leave your cell phone in your pocket and perform most of your mobile phone’s functions using your in-ear Bluetooth headset.
In addition to being paired with cell phones, short-range Bluetooth technology is also compatible with personal computers, laptops, printers, GPS receivers, digital cameras, telephones, video game consoles and more for various practical functions. The term Bluetooth was coined after the Danish and Norwegian king Harald Bluetooth Gormson (Harald Blåtand in Danish). The 10th-century king unified Denmark with Norway. Bluetooth specifications have been made by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).