Milestone marks major step in efforts to bring dual-mode Bluetooth(R) technologies to mobile solutions, connecting more devices than ever before

DALLAS, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Delivering on its commitment to lead the market by providing both dual-mode and single-mode Bluetooth low energy solutions, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today announced that it has qualified a Bluetooth low energy wireless technology controller on TI's highly-integrated BlueLink(TM) 7.0 (BL6450-L) solution. This is done in conjunction with the recent adoption of Bluetooth(R) Core Specification Version 4.0 by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). In addition to supporting Bluetooth low energy, the hallmark feature of v4.0 on the BlueLink platform, TI will provide Bluetooth low energy support for its CC254x line of single-mode, low-power RF products. For more information, see www.ti.com/bluelinkblepr.

Low energy support is the next step in the Bluetooth wireless technology evolution. Consuming a fraction of the power, it will change how consumers utilize Bluetooth technology, expanding existing ecosystems and creating opportunities for new use cases. This is particularly important in the evolving mobile device market, where handsets and other portable solutions have multiple modes of connectivity. Specifically with dual mode support, users can connect a Bluetooth low energy device and send the data from this device via standard Bluetooth connection to an existing mobile device that functions as a personal gateway. This access sets the stage for the wireless personal area network (WPAN) revolution, where devices can connect seamlessly using the handset as a hub. With this connection point, consumers can easily utilize the Internet to transmit information from sensors to people and devices they chose - ranging from fitness to medical to entertainment.

"TI is an active participant in the Bluetooth SIG, and continues to make contributions to the Bluetooth Core Specification to extend the low energy ecosystem," said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG. "We are pleased to see TI qualify its Bluetooth low energy controller, as this reinforces TI's commitment to this marketplace and to realizing the full potential of dual- and single-mode devices."

"Continuing to support standalone and combo Bluetooth solutions, TI is thrilled to be one of the first to achieve this qualification, and looks forward to future Bluetooth low energy support," said Eran Sandhaus, marketing director, wireless connectivity solutions, TI. "This milestone represents a solid first step in realizing dual-mode Bluetooth capabilities in the mobile market, turning mobile devices into robust 'gateways' for low-energy solutions, driving the growth of wireless personal area networks."

Information about TI's Bluetooth low energy solutions and low-power RF portfolio:

    --  Robust wireless connectivity solutions: www.ti.com/wireless
    --  Related Mobile Momentum post: http://bit.ly/5M7TjC
    --  Bluetooth low energy blog: http://e2e.ti.com/blogs/ble/default.aspx
    --  Complete Bluetooth low energy solutions: 
        www.ti.com/bluetoothlowenergy-bl6450-pr
    --  Entire low-power RF portfolio, including the latest selection guide: 
        www.ti.com/lprf-pr
    --  Low-power RF E2E online community: www.ti.com/lprf-forum

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com

Trademarks

BlueLink is a trademark of Texas Instruments. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.ti.com/