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As we reported last year, UWB will vastly increase the data throughput of which Bluetooth is capable. UWB transmits data over short distances at speeds up to 1Gbit/sec, many times faster than the 2.1Mbit/sec maximum for Bluetooth 2.0.

The SIG, which oversees the standard, considered several implementations of the technology before opting for WiMedia Alliance's multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) version.

The UWB-enhanced version of Bluetooth will be able to synchronise and transfer large amounts of data and will enable

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high quality video and audio applications for portable devices, multi-media projectors and television sets. This will complement rather than replace its traditional, low-power implementations - mice, keyboards and headsets for example - and devices and device makers will be able to determine the appropriate operating requirements.

The SIG said that new standard will also provide full backwards-compatibility with the existing 500 million Bluetooth-equipped devices.

'Having considered the UWB technology options, the decision ultimately came down to what our members want, which is to leverage their current investments in both UWB and Bluetooth technologies and meet the high-speed demands of their customers,' explained Michael Foley executive director of Bluetooth SIG. 'By working closely with the WiMedia Alliance to create the next version of Bluetooth technology, we will enable our members to do just that.'

As part of the agreement, the SIG and WiMedia will develop a high speed, high data rate Bluetooth specification that operates in the unlicensed radio spectrum above 6GHz to address concerns voiced by regulatory bodies in both Europe and Asia.