Apple Previews Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity for Mac OS X
MACWORLD EXPO, TOKYO-March 21, 2002-Apple® today previewed its Bluetooth technology for Mac® OS X, enabling short-range wireless connectivity between a Mac® 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® 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® (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.
