[June 14, 2006] Bluetooth SIG Launches New Program for Enhanced Visibility of Bluetooth(R) Functionality Tweet BELLEVUE, Wash., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today officially launched the Bluetooth Experience Icon Program to guide and help consumers purchase interoperable products implementing Bluetooth wireless technology. The icons will, at a glance, tell consumers and retailers about the products' functionalities enhanced by Bluetooth technology and aid the purchase and sales process. The new Experience Icon Program enhances visibility of the many uses of Bluetooth wireless technology. The system aids in understanding functionality, illustrating the full capabilities of the device and ensuring two devices will perform a specific application. Bluetooth technology consists of profiles that define how devices perform certain applications together. The icons help simplify the number of profiles consumers are exposed to by grouping use cases. "New applications utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology have gained momentum in the last year," said Michael Foley, Ph. D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. "We found it beneficial to simplify the way member companies illustrate their products' capabilities which in turn will simplify the way consumers understand functionalities of their devices, making the Bluetooth technology experience an even easier one for everyone." "The Experience Icons illustrate how the Bluetooth SIG is working to improve consumer satisfaction," said Edward Valdez, president and COO of Parrot, Inc. "The icons dramatically simplify the consumer buying experience based on specific applications. As a manufacturer of Bluetooth consumer products, Parrot welcomes this eye-catching way to help put Bluetooth technology into the lives of more consumers worldwide." The Bluetooth Experience Icons leverage the familiarity and recognition of the Bluetooth figure mark. Moving forward, consumers can look to find all applicable icons printed on the package of a device. Consumers simply choose products with the Bluetooth trademark and matching Experience Icons for a completely interoperable experience. The current icons available to illustrate five functions of Bluetooth wireless technology are: * Print - The print icon lets you know that printing can be simpler by allowing you to wirelessly print directly from your computer, mobile phone, PDA or any other device displaying the print icon. * Input - The input icon shows that you can control as well as input data wirelessly to a device. This makes for fewer cables on your desk and improved control over portable devices without using the tiny, built-in keyboards. * Headset - The headset icon lets you know that you have the ability to talk on your phone "hands-free." Getting rid of annoying cables means being able to move around freely while using your cell phone. * Transfer - The transfer icon tells you that the device can wirelessly send and receive data, text, pictures, music or other files with other devices. * Music - The music icon means these products allow you to listen to Hi-Fi stereo music wirelessly. You are able to send music from your mobile phone, computer or other device bearing this symbol and listen using compatible speakers, headphones, home stereos and many other devices. The Experience Icon Program shows how Bluetooth connectivity encompasses a growing number of applications including printing, inputting data, using a wireless headset, transferring files and listening to music. There are plans to release other icons later this year, such as an icon for dial-up networking (DUN) and the automotive hands-free use case, and others will be developed as the Bluetooth technology experience expands to additional popular applications. The Bluetooth SIG encourages all manufacturers of Bluetooth devices to immediately begin using the Experience Icons on product packaging. Additionally, the Bluetooth SIG will focus its marketing efforts on one icon per month, driving home the definition of each icon one at a time, along with efforts to raise awareness of the entire program. Bluetooth SIG members can find more information on Experience Icon program marketing efforts and the requirements of icon usage at http://www.bluetooth.org/iconprogram/. About Bluetooth Wireless Technology Bluetooth wireless technology is the global short-range wireless standard for personal connectivity of a broad range of electronic devices. The technology is now available in its fourth version of the core specification and continues to develop, building on its inherent strengths - small-form factor radio, low power, low cost, built-in security, robustness, ease-of-use, and ad hoc networking abilities. Three new Bluetooth enabled products are qualified every day and 10 million Bluetooth units are shipping per week. The installed base of Bluetooth devices was over 500 million products at the end of 2005 and is projected to surpass one billion by the end of 2006, making it the only proven choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. About the Bluetooth SIG The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, consumer electronics, automotive and network industries, is driving development of Bluetooth wireless technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes Promoter group companies Agere, Ericsson, Intel, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, along with over 5000 Associate and Adopter member companies. The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. headquarters are located in Bellevue, Washington, U.S.A. For more information please visit http://www.bluetooth.com/. The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. PRESS CONTACTS: Americas Starr Million INK Public Relations for the Bluetooth SIG +1 (512) 382-8981 [email protected] Asia-Pacific Eddie Chan Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd. for the Bluetooth SIG +852 2894-6214 [email protected] Europe, Middle East, Africa Danny Devriendt Porter Novelli for the Bluetooth SIG +32 475353465 [email protected] Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Dr. Michael Foley http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=511276 Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050307/DAM007LOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, [email protected] Bluetooth SIG CONTACT: Americas: Starr Million of INK Public Relations for theBluetooth SIG, +1-512-382-8981, [email protected]; or Asia-Pacific: Eddie Chanof Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd. for the Bluetooth SIG, +852-2894-6214,[email protected]; or Europe, Middle East, Africa: DannyDevriendt, Porter Novelli for the Bluetooth SIG, +32-475353465,[email protected] Web site: http://www.bluetooth.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]