Tag - Bluetooth SIG
Bluetooth SIG updates specification to 4.2, focuses on speed, privacy
This week, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced that it adopted a new version of the Bluetooth core specification. The newest Bluetooth 4.2 update comes a year after 4.1 was adopted, which laid the groundwork for better Internet of Things (IoT) functionality, less LTE interference, improved data transfers and device reconnection. However, Bluetooth 4.2 adds more user-friendly features, such as increased speed, privacy and Internet connectivity.
Rumor: Samsung working on Windows Phone device with 1080p display
Samsung could be creating a large-screened smartphone running Windows Phone, and may be close to launching it, according to recently-surfaced information. A filing for the SM-W750V shows it as being approved by the Bluetooth SIG, with an accompanying User Agent profile suggesting it to be a device with a 1920x1080-resolution, 5-inch display.
Google Nexus 5 passes through Bluetooth SIG for certification
The upcoming Google Nexus 5 has allegedly surfaced yet again, this time passing through the Bluetooth Special Interest Group for certification. The device, labeled as "LGE LTE Mobile Phone (LG-D821)," is believed to be the Google smartphone, which is rumored to be launching on October 15th at the same time as Android KitKat.
HTC One 'Google Edition' seen at Bluetooth SIG running Android 4.3
A second version of the HTC One Google Edition has appeared at Bluetooth SIG. The new model, filed on June 18th and receiving Bluetooth certification on July 5th, is shown to be running on Android 4.3 instead of the stock Android 4.2 installation for the device, with the model number PN071 said to be the same as the one available through the Google Play Store.
Bluetooth spec gets GPS data sharing through GNSS
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has cleared a proposal to more explicitly add location awareness to the standard. Bluetooth 2.0 and up devices will have the option of using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) profile, which will let a GPS-aware device share its location data with other Bluetooth hardware. Implementing GNSS could let a smartphone share its position with a dedicated camera, tablet, or other device without having special code.
New iPad first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet
Bluetooth SIG has made it known that Apple’s new iPad is the first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet on the market. The new ultra-low power Bluetooth 4.0 technology in the iPad remains backwards compatible with existing Bluetooth devices such as Apple’s wireless keyboard and any Bluetooth 2.0-equipped speakers, for example. However, as a Smart Ready hub, the new iPad will be able to connect to new Bluetooth Smart devices including wireless keyboards that won’t require a change of batteries for the life of the new iPad.
Bluetooth SIG clears mystery Nokia Lumia 719
The Bluetooth industry association appears to have indirectly confirmed the existence of Nokia's Lumia 710 handset. The mystery device was first referenced in rumors ahead of CES, however Nokia has yet to make an official announcement.
Bluetooth, NFC Forum confirm device pairing team-up
The NFC Forum and Bluetooth SIG have come together to produce an application document meant for developers that details how the two standards will interact together. Titled Bluetooth secure simple pairing using NFC (PDF), the document talks about how smartphones and other NFC and Bluetooth-enabled devices will communicate wirelessly with other devices like headsets and headphones, in-vehicle entertainment systems and connected TVs. The new standards and NFC tech should save time, as it will no longer require users to punch in passwords in both devices, but simply tap them together to enable the Bluetooth connection.
Google Nexus Prime gets Bluetooth certification
Samsung is apparently taking the final steps it needs to prepare the Nexus Prime for launch. The phone maker has listed its GT-i9250, believed to be the GSM version of the Nexus Prime smartphone, with the Bluetooth SIG. This is usually done shortly before a product begins shipping.
Bluetooth SIG shows off Nokia C5-04 for T-Mobile USA
What may be the latest in Nokia's C5 line has surfaced on the Bluetooth SIG's gadget guide. According to the description, the Nokia C5-04 is a touchscreen smartphone that runs the Symbian OS. It has 3G HSDPA access and comes with free Ovi maps and voice navigation. The image accompanying the description shows the phone branded as a T-Mobile handset.
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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
