Recently, I have had several conversations with folks about the changes in Bluetooth. More to the point, Bluetooth technology has changed over the past few years so that software written for the older model is not compatible with the new model. That means, the software you used on, say, an Recon computer a few years ago might not work on a new Recon running Windows Mobile 6 with integrated Bluetooth.
The nitty-gritty
“Bluetooth” is simply a wire-free way to connect devices. While most folks are familiar with Bluetooth headsets or maybe printers, I mostly deal with GPS receivers. In most cases, you can think of Bluetooth as a replacement for a USB or serial cable. However, Bluetooth devices can communicate with several other devices simultaneously through a ‘piconet.’
The latest version is 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). This version came out in July, 2007 and superseded version 2.0 with EDR. The older version had a completely different construction (known as a stack) and, consequently, different transmission rates (though the same 2.45 GHz frequency) and protocol. That is why software written for the older Bluetooth won’t work on the new version.
Regardless of the Bluetooth version, there are three classes of Bluetooth that vary by strength of signal and power consumption. Class 1 is the high-end model and has a range of 100 meters. Class 2 is what is found in most computers and has a range of 10 meters. Class 3 is not common, but is the lowest power radio and has a range of 1 meter.
Was the change necessary?
Yes. I loved my Recon with Windows Mobile 2003 but I was frustrated with the Socket Bluetooth card. Socket is a great company, but the technology was tenuous to me, as a user. In fact, I wrote back then that Bluetooth would die soon. Once again, I was wrong. Various applets and updates came out to make Bluetooth more stable but I found myself appreciating the serial cable for my devices. With the latest operating system change, I find the Bluetooth very stable and have finally gone wireless with my GPS devices. What to do? Change the software. Kind of like when they ditched unleaded gas. You could keep adding additive to your fuel or buckle down and replace the valve seats.
What does the logo represent?
It made no sense to me until I dug deeper into the roots of Bluetooth. Harald Bluetooth was a 10th century king of Denmark and Norwary who is noteworthy (at least in legend) for unifying tribes across Scandinavia. (Meanwhile, Hamlet whined about the castle and contemplated skulls while his sweetheart used poor judgement with herbs—but I digress.) The symbol is the Germanic runes for H and B forming a bind rune.
Figuring out the nuts and bolts of field computing 