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Is Wibree really a replacement for Bluetooth?

I've just heard that there's a technology that's going to replace Bluetooth called Wibree. What's the story with it and do you really think it's a good replacement for Bluetooth?


Dave's Answer:

Cellphone giant Nokia has apparently been working on Wibree, an oddly named replacement to the Bluetooth technology that's just starting to become pervasive in modern electronic gizmos (I have Bluetooth in my Prius and my Mac laptop, for example, as well as my Motorola cellphone).

Wibree logoThere is an entire Wibree web site full of information that shows that, sure enough, October 3rd, when you asked me this question, is the launch date of this new technology. Here's how they describe Wibree:

"Wibree radio technology complements other local connectivity technologies, consuming only a fraction of the power compared to other such radio technologies, enabling smaller and less costly implementations and being easy to integrate with Bluetooth solutions.

"Wibree is the first open technology offering connectivity between mobile devices or Personal Computers, and small, button cell battery power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors. By extending the role mobile devices can play in consumers’ lives, this technology increases the growth potential in these market segments."

They claim that it has (ready for this buzzword flood?) ultra low peak, average and idle mode power consumption, ultra low cost & small size for accessories and human interface devices (HID), minimal cost and size addition to mobile phones & PCs and global, intuitive and secure multi-vendor interoperability. What's not to like about all that?

In terms of it gaining in the marketplace and replacing Bluetooth, well, Bluetooth definitely has some problems and limitations, including some security issues, and there's also another contender for the crown called Zigbee, but Nokia's a big company and with Wibree able to utilize the same radio and antenna components as Bluetooth, who knows, maybe we will see a Wibree world in the future.

For now, I'd say it's a "wait and see" situation.



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Comments

Interesting! I think it will depend on what problem they are trying to solve. Certainly, I don't think there is a very low cost, low power standard that addresses this connectivity space. It reminds me of the iPod/Nike Sport kit: if there was a low cost / power and STANDARD approach to enabling devices like that, our shoes could talk to our iPod / car / house / jacket or whatever, then I think we might start to see more innovation in this area.

Posted by: Gerry Power at October 5, 2006 9:48 AM

I have a lot to say, but ...
Starbucks coffee cup I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!









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