IP: MICROSOFT WILL BACK BLUETOOTH NEW TECHNOLOGY from edupage

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

Microsoft yesterday announced its support for Bluetooth, joining
about 1,200 other companies already backing the wireless
communications technology. Microsoft says it will team with
Lucent, Motorola, and 3Com to create a group that encourages
Bluetooth use. Bluetooth, developed by Ericsson, allows
electronic devices to communicate with other devices within a
certain distance. A large market for computer and consumer
electronic devices based on Bluetooth is expected to emerge, and
Ericsson believes the specification will become common in cell
phones and portable computer devices. In the future Bluetooth is
expected to support high-speed data transmissions such as audio
and video. Experts say Microsoft's support will boost
Bluetooth's chances of success.
(Financial Times 12/02/99)