Microsoft backs Bluetooth with hardware
C|Net | at | by Mike
Microsoft will put its muscle behind the Bluetooth wireless networking technology later this year, selling keyboards and mice that use the technology to connect to PCs, Chairman Bill Gates plans to announce Thursday. Microsoft also will push Bluetooth software, releasing a development kit in May to help programmers support the technology and posting a download that will give Windows XP built-in Bluetooth abilities this fall.
Gates also plans to demonstrate use of a PC to make and receive phone calls, with the PC taking actions based on caller ID that ordinary phones can't manage. In addition, he will show music playback, with 22 hours of music stored on a single CD that can be played in a car stereo, PC, home stereo or portable CD player.