Bluetooth 2.1 Released

In a press release, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group unveiled the Bluetooth 2.1+EDR specifications, marking a new evolution for this popular wireless protocol. This new version is mostly bringing improved detection procedure of new Bluetooth devices while ensuring higher level of security with encrypted link. The Bluetooth SIG claims that the new energy saving system would allow extending battery life of many BT peripherals.
Unfortunately all those new functions can not be added via a firmware update to existing BT 2.0+EDR compatible hardware, as it will require a totally new chip. So, users will have to buy new peripherals to enjoy those new features, and first BT 2.1+EDR-based devices should arrive for Q4 2007.