TDK Systems has introduced software that allows Bluetooth devices to exchange voice, images and data. This enables a wide variety of new applications such as Internet Telephony. The software’s Audio capability allows users to make international phone calls at local ISP rates by using a Bluetooth headset with their PC and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

TDK Systems’ Bluetooth application, version 1.3, supports the latest MMS mobile handsets, allowing users to wirelessly transfer images between picture-phones, laptops and PCs. By transferring pictures via Bluetooth from a phone to a PC - free of charge - the new generation phones immediately evolve from being the source of larger bills to a convenient and ubiquitous digital camera.

A Personal Area Networking (PAN) profile also allows users to set up an
ad-hoc network incorporating up to eight devices, simultaneously. This enables users to exchange files, graphics and pictures without cables, or even set up a small wireless network in a small office/home office (SoHo) environment.

“Ease of use and presentation are very important - TDK Systems’ R&D team has worked long and hard to ensure that people don’t have to be technical wizards to use Bluetooth technology,” said Nick Hunn, managing director at TDK Systems. “In fact, we’ve installed a ‘wizard’ in the software that prompts users with straightforward questions to allow them to do whatever they want to do with wireless connections.”

TDK Systems has also improved the Bluetooth pairing process so that users can connect devices more easily. A Bluetooth Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile (HCRP) so that users can print on Bluetooth-enabled printers in the same manner as any other printer.

The software is packaged with new TDK Systems Bluetooth PC Cards and USB Adaptors. The thousands of users who have already invested in these devices can obtain a free download of version 1.3 from http://www.tdksystems.com.

“We have designed our PC and laptop devices so they can be updated for no extra cost,” said Hunn. “This goes against the grain of consumer electronics and IT but offers better value for money for customers. Using an existing Bluetooth headset to make VoIP from foreign hotel, for instance, can easily save as much as 200 euro in a single trip.”