CSR’s Bluetooth low energy qualification supports leadership position in Bluetooth technology

Bluetooth low energy wireless technology is predicted by independent market analysts to be widely adopted in a range of new applications that can benefit from its ultra low power and low cost wireless connectivity. Possible applications include personal healthcare and well being, sports and fitness, security, smart energy and home entertainment, to name but a few. The Continua Health Alliance has already selected Bluetooth low energy wireless technology for inclusion in the next version of its guidelines. In addition, CSR believes the benefits of Bluetooth low energy technology will also play a role in indoor positioning for boosting location technologies.

CSR is playing a central role in driving this standard, and has a unique perspective on wireless technologies and a strong track record, commented Michael Foley, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Bluetooth SIG. Bluetooth low energy technology is going to expand existing ecosystems and create opportunities for new use cases and devices, the possibilities of which are exciting for a large variety of consumers with vastly differing needs for using wireless connectivity. We will start to see these devices everywhere, from the home to the handbag, the car to the golf course.”

CSR was one of the pioneers of Bluetooth low energy technology. In April 2008, at a Continua Health Alliance medical conference in Luxembourg, CSR gave the first public demonstration of Bluetooth low energy technology. CSR developed BlueCore7, launched in July 2008, to be ready to support this new ultra low power technology.

CSR is continuing to play an important role in driving the Bluetooth SIG’s ratification of the Bluetooth low energy specification, with CSR’s Robin Heydon acting as co-chair of the Bluetooth SIG Ultra-Low Power Working Group.

“This fourth incarnation of the Bluetooth specification is another step forward towards our vision of continually delivering the benefits of connectivity to consumers,” said Kanwar Chadha, CSR’s Chief Marketing Officer, “The real excitement behind Bluetooth low energy technology lies in the new wireless experience that CSR believes it will deliver: the convenience of wireless connectivity and ultra long battery life in all manner of gadgets and appliances. That’s the beauty of this technology and we look forward to seeing Bluetooth low energy implemented in exciting new products for mainstream consumers.”

CSR’s strategy is to establish an ecosystem of Bluetooth low energy devices. CSR’s scalable, modular BlueCore architecture is designed to support both single and dual-mode Bluetooth low energy devices. The immediate focus is on delivering dual-mode Bluetooth low energy platforms to include the low power capabilities on mobile phones, PCs and netbooks.

Dual-mode Bluetooth technology means the device will support classic Bluetooth technology (the current 3Mbps+EDR technology) as well as the new low energy specification. Products embedding CSR’s dual-mode Bluetooth low energy products will therefore offer the full range of classic Bluetooth technology and Bluetooth low energy technology, as well as the enhanced performance of Bluetooth high speed technology.

In supporting Bluetooth low energy technology in its products, CSR will give end users of BlueCore-enabled products the ability to enjoy an entirely new wireless experience, including for example, a battery life measured in years and an operating range greater than 50m.