Caroline DavisDevelopers will be able to write Bluetooth applications for
hand-held devices, despite the short-wave radio technology running
months behind schedule.
Extended Systems has begun shipping its Bluetooth software
development kit (SDK), which includes protocols for wireless file
exchange and synchronisation. The Bluetooth specialist claims the
SDK is independent of processors or operating systems.
However, as Computer Weekly revealed recently, the first
Bluetooth product in the UK - a wireless headset from Ericsson - is
not due out until this summer, six months later than originally
promised. And Nokia has said its first Bluetooth phones may not
appear until next year.
Andrew Parker, of market analyst Forrester Research, blamed the
hold-up on incompatibilities between different manufacturers'
standards.
"Hard negotiating is still going on," he said. "It will be 18
months before Bluetooth is up and running with a significant user
base and adequate hardware."
But he did not think the SDK was premature. "There are lots of
people doing trials with Bluetooth looking for tools to assist
them. It's a limited but significant community."
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables mobile devices
to swap data at up to 10m, or 100m with boosters.