Bluetooth
as a cheaper MMS alternativeBluetooth application
supports the latest MMS mobile phone handsets. 07
December 2002 TDK Systems has introduced software
that allows Bluetooth devices to exchange voice, images and data. This
enables a wide variety of new applications such as Internet Telephony.
The software’s Audio capability allows users to make international
phone calls at local ISP rates by using a Bluetooth headset with their
PC and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). TDK
Systems’ Bluetooth application, version 1.3, supports the latest
MMS mobile handsets, allowing users to wirelessly transfer images between
picture-phones, laptops and PCs. By transferring pictures via Bluetooth
from a phone to a PC - free of charge - the new generation phones immediately
evolve from being the source of larger bills to a convenient and ubiquitous
digital camera. A Personal Area Networking (PAN)
profile also allows users to set up an ad-hoc network incorporating
up to eight devices, simultaneously. This enables users to exchange
files, graphics and pictures without cables, or even set up a small
wireless network in a small office/home office (SoHo) environment.
“Ease of use and presentation are very important - TDK Systems’
R&D team has worked long and hard to ensure that people don’t
have to be technical wizards to use Bluetooth technology,” said
Nick Hunn, managing director at TDK Systems. “In fact, we’ve
installed a ‘wizard’ in the software that prompts users with
straightforward questions to allow them to do whatever they want to
do with wireless connections.” TDK Systems has also improved
the Bluetooth pairing process so that users can connect devices more
easily. A Bluetooth Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile (HCRP) so that
users can print on Bluetooth-enabled printers in the same manner as
any other printer. The software is packaged with new TDK Systems
Bluetooth PC Cards and USB Adaptors. The thousands of users who have
already invested in these devices can obtain a free download of version
1.3 from www.tdksystems.com. “We
have designed our PC and laptop devices so they can be updated for
no extra cost,” said Hunn. “This goes against the grain of
consumer electronics and IT but offers better value for money for customers.
Using an existing Bluetooth headset to make VoIP from foreign hotel,
for instance, can easily save as much as 200 euro in a single trip.” | 
