Apple Previews Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity for Mac OS X
MACWORLD EXPO, TOKYO-March 21, 2002-Apple=AE today previewed its Bluetooth
technology for Mac=AE OS X, enabling short-range wireless connectivity
between a Mac=AE and a variety of digital devices, including
bluetooth-enabled PDAs and cell phones. Apple is making a preview version
of its Bluetooth software for Mac OS X available as a free software
download and is offering a Bluetooth USB adaptor, which can
Bluetooth-enable any USB-based Macintosh=AE computer, for $49 (US).
“Apple was the first to build in Ethernet, one of the first to build in
USB, the first to build in FireWire, and the first to build in 802.11
wireless networking,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Now we’re offering a
Bluetooth solution that actually works and is easy to use.”
Bluetooth is an emerging industry standard for wirelessly connecting
computers and peripherals and transmits data at up to 1 Mbps within a range
of about 30 feet. Apple’s Bluetooth technology for Mac OS X lets customers
wirelessly share files between Macs; synchronize and share contact
information with Palm-OS based PDAs, including models from Sony and Palm;
and access the Internet through Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, including
models from Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola.
Customers can download the free Bluetooth preview software from
www.apple.com and plug in the Bluetooth USB adapter to any USB port on a
Mac running Mac OS X version 10.1.3. The Bluetooth software automatically
discovers other Bluetooth-enabled devices within its range. Connecting is
as easy as selecting the desired Bluetooth-enabled device that appears in
the list and clicking the “Pair” button.
Pricing & Availability The Bluetooth preview software will be available for
download from www.apple.com/bluetooth, and the Bluetooth USB adapter will
be available through the Apple Store=AE (www.apple.com) for $49 (US)
beginning in early April.
Users of Apple’s Bluetooth preview software for Mac OS X can submit
feedback and participate in web-based message board discussions at
www.apple.com/bluetooth.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple
II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh.
Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to
students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world
through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.