Qualcomm Atheros Collaborates with Acer to Bring the Latest Bluetooth Technology to the Consumer Laptop Platform

Acer will use Qualcomm Atheros’ new WB225 combo module, which includes the AR9485 802.11b/g/n for wireless LAN (WLAN) and the AR3012 chip for Bluetooth 4.0 + HS, to enable computing platforms to communicate with Bluetooth LE-only devices. Previously, LE-only product manufacturers lacked user computing gateways, such as laptops and tablets, to collect data from LE devices.

Bluetooth 4.0 introduced LE technology to the Bluetooth Core Specification, enabling new types of devices to operate for months or even years on tiny batteries. Bluetooth 4.0 + HS supports data transfer speeds of up to 24 Mbps, whereby the Bluetooth link is used for negotiation and pair establishment and the high data rate traffic is carried over a co-located 802.11g link (the “+HS” portion). Qualcomm Atheros’ Universal Wireless Cooperation technology, which enables Bluetooth’s coexistence with WLAN, provides consumers with a seamless user experience during scenarios such as simultaneous VoIP calls and streaming video over the Internet, which utilizes WLAN for data connection and Bluetooth for the audio I/O for the consumer.

“Our collaboration with Qualcomm Atheros highlights our greater commitment to delivering industry leading connectivity technology to consumers that truly enhances their living,” said David Lee, assistant vice president of the mobile computing business unit, Acer Inc.

The Qualcomm Atheros WB225 combo module allows users to connect with other Bluetooth + HS-enabled platforms and devices and is compatible with previous Bluetooth 3.0 + HS for fast file transfers, mobile phonebook syncing and personal area network (PAN) applications. The “+HS” feature uses WLAN technology for high speed data. Qualcomm Atheros and Acer have pre-enabled several qualified Bluetooth LE usage cases such as proximity detection, time synchronization and network availability. The platform is software and hardware ready for LE connectivity with no user upgrades required.

“We are excited to work with Acer to provide the latest Bluetooth connectivity solutions to consumers,” said Amir Faintuch, senior vice president and general manager of consumer business unit for Qualcomm Atheros. “Acer and Qualcomm Atheros have a long history of delivering superior WLAN and Bluetooth solutions. With this latest offering, end users will more easily be able to utilize Bluetooth LE-enabled devices for applications such as proximity detection and health monitoring.”