Bluetooth SIG Advances Standardization of Active 3D Glasses Using Bluetooth Technology

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced it has reached the first iteration of its active 3D glasses standard using Bluetooth wireless technology. Samsung, among other member companies, is actively working within the Bluetooth SIG to finalize the standard that will give 3D glasses users greater freedom of movement, longer battery life, and increased interoperability with an ever-expanding group of television brands. As the 3D glasses specification makes progress, millions of Bluetooth enabled TVs have already shipped, paving the road to mass adoption of Bluetooth technology in the living room.

“The quick development and advancement of the Bluetooth technology collaboration for active 3D glasses demonstrates the need for a connectivity standard that will deliver a more innovative, intuitive and exciting user experience. This is just the beginning of what we can come to expect from Bluetooth technology in our homes.”

Announcements from the major consumer electronics and semiconductor manufacturers at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 are expected to further cement Bluetooth technology’s position in the TV. Soon Bluetooth enabled TVs will serve as the hub of the connected living room, enabling seamless, robust connections with all Bluetooth technology and Bluetooth Smart devices including remote controls, gaming consoles, speaker systems, keyboards, phones, tablets, health and medical devices and more. In addition, the first wave of the recently announced Bluetooth Smart devices for the connected living room, which take advantage of Bluetooth 4.0’s low energy technology, will be hitting at CES.

In 2011, millions of Bluetooth enabled TVs were shipped to market. The connected living room also includes 71 percent penetration of Bluetooth technology into gaming consoles, with an expected 95.5 percent penetration rate by 2015, according to Peter Cooney, practice director, semiconductors, ABI Research. When coupled with Bluetooth technology’s near 100 percent adoption rate in smartphones, the standard becomes the simple and secure way to wirelessly connect and control devices in the living room and throughout the home.

Bluetooth SIG members currently ship more than 5 million devices per day, with an established installed base of 4 billion devices worldwide. Bluetooth technology is simple, secure and everywhere.

Supporting Quotes

Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG:

“When it comes to the connected living room, Bluetooth technology has the advantage of already being in billions of devices, including the latest Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth Smart Ready products using Bluetooth v4.0. And we’re seeing it here at CES too. Whether it’s LG Magic Motion remote controls or Samsung 3D glasses and QWERTY remotes, Bluetooth technology is in millions of television sets, with millions more on the way this year alone. And innovative remote controls and 3D glasses are just the beginning. The real magic for the consumer is having their Bluetooth enabled TV seamlessly connect with other Bluetooth devices in the home, including their wireless speaker system, set-top box, phone, tablet, fitness devices, home thermostat, appliances, and more. Enabling manufacturers to create products that connect with their customers’ other Bluetooth devices (an installed base of over seven billion products worldwide) is a major reason the industry is standardizing on Bluetooth technology.”

Jurack Chae, vice president of R&D team, Samsung Electronics:

“Samsung first introduced 3D Smart TVs with Bluetooth technology in 2011, providing consumers with enhanced convenience. Samsung is actively working within the Bluetooth SIG on the 3-D glasses standard so that we can provide consumers products with industry leading compatibility and device-to-device connectivity. Samsung will continue to develop technology that provides satisfying new consumer experiences."

Craig Ochikubo, vice president and general manager Wireless Personal Area Network line of business, Broadcom:

“The quick development and advancement of the Bluetooth technology collaboration for active 3D glasses demonstrates the need for a connectivity standard that will deliver a more innovative, intuitive and exciting user experience. This is just the beginning of what we can come to expect from Bluetooth technology in our homes.”

Anthony Murray, senior vice president of home business area, CSR:

“Selecting Bluetooth as the control mechanism for wireless 3D glasses reinforces that Bluetooth technology provides the resilience, low-power and proven performance necessary for an exceptional user experience. Adding 3D glasses into the Bluetooth ecosystem for the Living room is the natural choice and further endorses the use of Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart technology in a variety of home entertainment products.”

Svenn-Tore Larsen, CEO, Nordic Semiconductor ASA:

“The advancement of the Bluetooth 3D standard sets the stage for Bluetooth becoming the wireless technology of choice for CE equipment. It will give the user the opportunity to connect a range of new Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart devices to their CE equipment and we are excited to be showing at CES our Bluetooth Smart navigation remote for connected TVs, complete with gesture support and a full QWERTY keyboard.”

Sid Shaw, product marketing manager, low-power RF, Texas Instruments Incorporated:

“Bluetooth 4.0 technology is a natural fit for wireless connectivity in the living room offering longer battery life for 3D glasses, remote controls, speakers and more. We are excited to play a leading role in the Bluetooth technology revolution in the consumer entertainment space.”

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple connectivity for a broad range of electronic devices. Version 4.0 featuring Bluetooth low energy technology creates new application opportunities for products within the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & wellness, sports & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly two billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth technology is the only proven wireless solution for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers more than 15,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com. Bluetooth wireless technology: Simple. Secure. Everywhere.