The futuristic world of The Jetson's is one step closer with the worldwide unveiling of the first Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones by Ericsson -- set to reach Australia's shores in early 2001. Soon our fridge will be able to call us with a reminder to get some milk on the way home.
Ericsson yesterday revealed two GSM mobile handsets equipped with Bluetooth technology, a standard based on short-range radio frequency, which enables voice and high-speed data to be sent between devices. With Bluetooth, a user can leave a mobile phone in their pocket while it communicates with a Bluetooth-enabled laptop, if the devices are within a 10-metre radius of each other.
The Ericsson T36 and R520 model phones are set for release in early 2001. The latter model is set to be trailed sooner -- Telstra will test out the units during the upcoming Sydney 2000 Olympics, Ericsson officials confirmed.
Consumers will be able to wirelessly link the handsets to other Bluetooth-compatible devices. They will be able to activate these connections with voice commands.
Both phones are triple band with High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) allowing consumers to receive data faster than over GSM frequencies.
The R520 has General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) which promises not to let data or Internet tasks interfere with incoming phone calls - data transmissions can be put on hold as the user answers a call.
According to Ericsson Business Manager, Edwin Earl there will be a greater interest in the Australian market for R520 when the country adopts GPRS later this year.
Both the T36 and R520 have five row display and can be voice activated through the Ericsson Bluetooth headsets, which enable the user to make a call, or connect to the Internet.
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