Microsoft is going toofficiallysupportBluetoothin Windows XP, despite the fact that Bluetooth has failed to impress all but a few stalwart backers (so far!). Microsoftoriginally arguedthat Bluetooth support in XP was pre-mature and unnecessary, insofar as the technology was still limping along when XP was being finalized. But now that Microsoft is selling Bluetoothwireless hardware(e.g., keyboards and mice), support is obviously in their best interest. Many of the tech’s backers felt that strong support from Microsoft was a must-have to make this lingering vaporware materialize, and now we’ll see what happens. Bluetooth’s shortcoming (putzy throughput and range limitations, mainly) will end up relegating the wireless spec to peripherals and gadgetry, leaving WLAN networking to 802.11x technologies (which, of course,have their own problems). But Bluetooth does appear to be kinder on the batteries, which is ideal for gadgetry.
PC makers and device makers are expected to start shipping products with Microsoft’s Bluetooth implementation in the next three to six months. Companies such as Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Hewlett-Packard have already built products based on the technology, Microsoft said.
Motherboards are starting toarrive on the scenewith Bluetooth support, and printers are on the way. Mac OS Xrecently acquired Bluetooth support, which will also slightly broaden the market for Bluetooth devices.
