BlueGiga have released a new module that used version 3 and has a 1000 meter range. If BlueGiga are releasing this technology then are we expecting Bluetooth to reach further in general?

WT41 is truly a long range Bluetooth module offering impressive 1000 meters range between two WT41 Bluetooth modules. The module utilizes Bluegiga’s sophisticated radio frequency design methodologies and offers OEM’s a trouble free product even with tight integration with surrounding electronics.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR compliant
• Integrates a Bluetooth radio, Bluetooth stack and profiles
• Exceptional radio performance, Transmit power : +20dBm, Receiver sensitivity: -90dBm
• Available with high efficiency chip antenna or U.FL connector
• Industrial temperature range -40°C to +85°C
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: SPP, DUN, HFP, HSP, HID, AVRCP, DI, PBAP, OPP, FTP and HDP
• Standard HCI over UART or USB
• Bluetooth end product, CE, FCC and IC qualified

Description

WT41 comes with Bluegiga’s iWRAP firmware offering the users a simple software integration without the need of Bluetooth protocol or profile development. iWRAP is an embedded Bluetooth stack firmware for Bluegiga’s Bluetooth. It exposes a powerful but easy-to-use command interface to manage Bluetooth operations. iWRAP hides the complexity of Bluetooth protocol stack and profiles from the end user.

More information about this product:
WT41 Product Brief

WT41 Datasheet

If you compare the other Bluetooth modules you will see the difference:

All Products Brief

Just to let you know that we have updated the ad2hand.co.uk free software. Due to a new bug that caused a loop in the system we have added a new function as well as removing this bug you can click on the ‘output’ tab on the right and it will show you what is happening. If you have any issue you can copy this out and post it here.

Sorry need to do a bit more to improve this. I have updated it once again

I have done some minor tweeks to the software to allow timeouts, please update you software or uninstall / install the software again, you can request a download from here .  Please let us know if you are having any issues with the software so we can improve it. You can add your comments on support

On December 12, 2009 the Bluetooth SIG published the adoption of Bluetooth low energy wireless technology as the hallmark feature Bluetooth Core spec version 4.

More reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Bluetooth_V4.0_.28low_energy_protocols.29

I think you should look where this is going and the Future:

If you are using Bluetooth to advertise then it is possible to piggy back on all the bluetooth enabled devices out there, if they are saying connectionless data in version 3 and low power in version 4 are they talking about a p2p scenario that will allow you to push you ads via loads of devices without connection?

Version 3 of the Bluetooth protocol was release on April 21 2009, it is to support up to 24Mbit/s, Alternate MAC/PHY for transporting Bluetooth profile data, Unicast connectionless data, encryption keys on the HCI and enhanced Power. You can read the wiki here  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Bluetooth_3.0_.2B_HS

The Enhanced power, unicast and 24mbMbit/s would have a massive effect on what you can do with Bluetooth advertising. It would allow you to send files that are bigger but quicker, it will allow a longer connection or listen to devices without holding up other connections and with better power handling you may have the potential to broadcast further than before.

Due to massive demand and requests for support we have changed the website and how things work.

First of all we have added a location for support and news so we can add common questions and answers about the software and news that may help you.

As we are branching out to Android and Windows mobile we aim to develop more software that you can use in the same way. We will continue to develop the ad2hand free version and aim to improve it in. Your feedback is important.