Intel and startup Ozmo Devices are collaborating to provide an alternative to Bluetooth for short-range, high-speed wireless connections. Intel wants to integrate Ozmo’s Personal Area Network technology into its Centrino laptops, which, thus equipped, could use their Wi-Fi bandwidth for both internet access and nearer, more data-hungry connections like headsets and music devices.
Because this would use the existing radio hardware inside the laptops, it’s both cost-effective and easy to deploy. That second antenna for Bluetooth isn’t exactly breaking the bank when you look at the cost of parts, but everything has wi-fi, Bluetooth is still pretty much an “extra.” A Bluetooth spokesperson said the wi-fi PAN tech had a lot of “catch-up” to do, and that Bluetooth is the established standard. Probably not a good thing for them that accessory heavyweight Belkin is getting in bed with Intel, though. Either way, I’m just happy that our radio waves will be used more efficiently.
Seattle, WA
San Diego, CA
Menlo Park, CA
Boston, MA
Berlin, Germany
San Francisco
