Bluetooth solution adds telephony to prototype PC

The BlueCore single-chip solution has been chosen by Microsoft Corp to bring Bluetooth wireless technology to its "Athens" prototype PC.

The BlueCore single-chip solution has been chosen by Microsoft Corp to bring Bluetooth wireless technology to its "Athens" prototype PC.

The Athens PC is currently on a world tour that included the Bluetooth Congress in Amsterdam, and Microsoft aims to use it to demonstrate how multiple forms of communication can be merged into a consistent and streamlined design.

CSR's BlueCore has been used to enable integrated wireless telephony functionality that would allow a user to utilise a central communications unit via a wireless handset and headset.

Mike Foley, Wireless Architect, Microsoft and Former Chairman of the Board, Bluetooth SIG commented: "In developing this prototype, we have paid particular attention to ensuring that both Athens hardware and software are meshed as tightly as is possible.

CSR's BlueCore solution is technology that we have already integrated into our Bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse.

Our experience tells us that BlueCore is a sturdy, robust product and that the CSR's designers are fully capable of bringing their expertise to such a demanding project as Athens".

The Athens prototype PC is intended for business use and aims to provide a vision of future business desktop PC technology that will provide a seamless and natural experience for both communications and collaboration.

An integrated communications unit is wirelessly connected to a Bluetooth-enabled handset and headset, the silicon for which is provided by CSR.

Kristine Overlaur, Technical Marketing Manager, CSR, added: "Bluetooth is ideal for wirelessly channelling real-time data between devices.

Our market leading BlueCore silicon is designed for easy integration into any kind of electronic device, and therefore we are pleased Microsoft has identified this when designing the Athens prototype PC".

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