Bluetooth SIG Extends Bluetooth Brand, Introduces Bluetooth Smart Marks

Market and Use Case Expansion Create Need to Denote Compatible Bluetooth v4.0 Devices

Bluetooth Smart Mark compatibility chart. (Graphic: Business Wire)

KIRKLAND, Wash.--()--The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced two new brand extensions to its globally recognized logo today in an effort to create consumer awareness around compatibility for new devices implementing Bluetooth v4.0 – the Bluetooth Smart Ready trademark and the Bluetooth Smart trademark. Bluetooth Smart Ready devices are phones, tablets, PCs and TVs that sit at the center of a consumer’s connected world and implement a Bluetooth v4.0 dual mode radio. Bluetooth Smart devices are sensor-type devices like heart-rate monitors or pedometers that run on button-cell batteries and were built to collect a specific piece of information. Bluetooth Smart devices include only a single-mode low energy Bluetooth v4.0 radio.

Bluetooth Smart Ready devices can connect to the billions of Bluetooth devices already in use today and also to new Bluetooth Smart devices just starting to enter the market. Bluetooth Smart devices, due to their revolutionary low power consumption, will only connect with products denoted with the Bluetooth Smart Ready mark, plus those designated specifically by product manufacturers.

“Here’s the truth of the matter: Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready devices will revolutionize the way we collect, share and use information,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “In order to ensure consumers know what these extraordinary devices have to offer, we created the Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready marks. These new logos will help consumers manage compatibility, and encourage manufacturers to build their best Bluetooth devices yet.”

A recent In-Stat report forecasts Bluetooth device shipments will exceed two billion in 2013 alone, fueled largely by the rapid introduction of Bluetooth Smart devices across many different industry segments.

“Consumers can look at new Bluetooth Smart Ready devices the same way they would a 3D ready TV – having the TV is just the first part of the puzzle, you need glasses and content in order to really experience 3D,” said Suke Jawanda, CMO of the Bluetooth SIG. “Once consumers have a Smart Ready device, like the new iPhone 4S, they can continue connecting to existing Bluetooth devices and are also ready to experience the new world of Bluetooth Smart peripheral devices that will carry the Bluetooth smart logo.”

More information on how a device qualifies to bear the new Bluetooth Smart designation, as well as detailed compatibility explanations and a general FAQ can be found at www.bluetooth.com/pages/smart-logos.aspx.

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.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50040718&lang=en

Contacts

Americas:
INK Public Relations
Starr Million Baker, +1 512-382-8981
starr@ink-pr.com
or
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Porter Novelli
Danny Devriendt, +32 2 413 03 40
Danny.devriendt@porternovelli.com
or
Asia-Pacific:
CHINA
Elite PR Consultants Beijing Co., Ltd
Lori Lee, +86 10 6409 7442/ 7647 ext. 8037
lori.lee@elitepr.cn
or
JAPAN
Kyodo Public Relations Co., Ltd.
Mr. Akihiro Yoshinobu, +81-3-3571-5238
a-yoshinobu@kyodo-pr.co.jp
or
KOREA
Strategic Marketing and Communications, Inc.
Harry Yoon, +82-2-3445-3232
harry@oksmc.co.kr
or
TAIWAN
Apex Communications Consultants
Hira Yu, 886-2-7718-7777 ext. 517
hira@apexpr.com.tw

Release Summary

Bluetooth SIG introduces two new brand extensions to manage compatibility for members, developers and consumers.

Contacts

Americas:
INK Public Relations
Starr Million Baker, +1 512-382-8981
starr@ink-pr.com
or
Europe, Middle East & Africa:
Porter Novelli
Danny Devriendt, +32 2 413 03 40
Danny.devriendt@porternovelli.com
or
Asia-Pacific:
CHINA
Elite PR Consultants Beijing Co., Ltd
Lori Lee, +86 10 6409 7442/ 7647 ext. 8037
lori.lee@elitepr.cn
or
JAPAN
Kyodo Public Relations Co., Ltd.
Mr. Akihiro Yoshinobu, +81-3-3571-5238
a-yoshinobu@kyodo-pr.co.jp
or
KOREA
Strategic Marketing and Communications, Inc.
Harry Yoon, +82-2-3445-3232
harry@oksmc.co.kr
or
TAIWAN
Apex Communications Consultants
Hira Yu, 886-2-7718-7777 ext. 517
hira@apexpr.com.tw