Bluetooth Readies for Its Close-Up - Technology Information

Backed by big tech companies, the technology that promises to link all your devices faces make-or-break time.

THE HOLIDAY INN WALL STREET CALLS itself "the most technologically sophisticated hotel in New York." Not only does each room come furnished with a computer linked by superspeedy T1 access to the Internet, but also guests can register simply by touching a computer screen. Now the hotel is poised to go wireless, with a check-in system based on the networking technology known as Bluetooth.

"You won't even need to stop at the front desk," says Frank Nicholas, the hotel's general manager. "When you pass the front desk, the server will have your credit card and check you in automatically."

There's just one problem: When the new registration system debuts in time for Internet World, the online community's big convention in late February, the hotel will first have to issue its guests special Bluetooth-equipped phones that will also serve as room keys.

That paradox neatly sums up the promise and pitfalls of Bluetooth, which was developed to connect virtually any communications device, from laptops to mobile phones to MP3 players, in seamless, adaptable mini-networks. Despite the backing of major technology companies including Microsoft, Motorola and Nokia, Bluetooth has yet to make a mark in the two years since it was introduced. Designed as a universal language for short-range wireless communications, so far Bluetooth has been about as useful as Esperanto.

This year could be a watershed one for Bluetooth. New phones equipped with the technology are on their way from both Ericsson and Motorola.

"Bluetooth won't go away because the phone companies love it so much," says Gerry Parker, executive VP of Intel's new business group.

Named for the 10th century king who unified Denmark, Bluetooth constantly scans its surroundings and automatically connects with compatible devices within a radius of about 30 feet. Thus someone with a Bluetooth phone becomes part of many different micronetworks at home, on the subway or at the office, depending on what other devices wander into range.

The advantages of such self-generating networks are obvious: Mobile phones could automatically sync with laptops to exchange data and establish Internet links. Phone connections could switch from expensive mobile systems to cheaper land lines. A handheld computer could become a credit card, a key, a map, a discount coupon or an audio player. But several hurdles remain.

For one thing, there's already an heir apparent for wireless networking called 802.11B. Also known as Wi-Fi (short for Wireless Fidelity), it's a standard for wireless Ethernet that delivers considerably more speed and greater range than Bluetooth.

MobileStar, a company that recently signed up to provide wireless Net access at Starbucks locations, is sticking with 802.11B. It plans to deliver streaming audio and video to laptops and Microsoft PocketPC devices. "We require something very robust and graceful, and Bluetooth just isn't there yet," says MobileStar CEO Mark Goode.

Even Intel, one of the original Bluetooth backers, is hedging its bets. It decided to go with another technology, HomeRF, for new wireless Web devices because it was cheap and available.

As for the Wall Street Holiday Inn, Nicholas says he's erring on the side of caution. "We're only doing one floor at a time," he says, "It's still whiz-bang technology."

COPYRIGHT 2001 Standard Media International
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group