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The SIG wants to combine the best of both technologies: Bluetooth's low cost, mature, product qualification programme and comprehensive application layer with UWB's high speed. Although details have to be worked out, the SIG envisages an architecture that will preserve Bluetooth technologies - to ensure backwards-compatibility with existing devices and software, and for products that do not require the additional bandwidth.

UWB transmits data over short distances at speeds up to, at least in theory, 1Gbit/sec, many times faster than the 2.1Mbit/sec maximum for Bluetooth 2.0. However, differing spectrum allocations and competing 'standards' have prevented its commercial employment. Like Bluetooth, it works over small distances and with low power requirements.

Michael Foley PhD, executive director of

'Joint development between Bluetooth technology and UWB is the fastest and most economical pathway for both technologies to meet the future demands of companies and end users,' he said. 'At the same time it is important to understand that Bluetooth is a global standard to a great extent driven by the adoption into mobile consumer devices like mobile phones, so not only is a requirement that world-wide regulation is achieved but also that it is done in a way so co-existence with future mobile standards is realised.'

The SIG's intentions have the backing of both component and device manufacturers. Stephen Wood, UWB technology strategist, Intel described it as extremely positive.

'The Bluetooth SIG's intention to employ UWB in their next generation products is a very positive step in allowing consumers to connect seamlessly between PCs, phones and consumer electronics equipment,' he said.

Motorola's vice president of Technology-standards, Miguel Pellon, added his support.

'Aligning the evolution of Bluetooth technology with UWB supports seamless mobility by enabling consumers to acquire and share media within the home, the auto, at work and on the go,' he said. 'The Bluetooth SIG has set a clear direction for addressing future consumer needs.'