Blue Light Special from Socket

By Michael Foley
iApplianceWeb
(07/18/01, 08:10:26 AM EDT)

Socket Communications is packaging its Bluetooth Evaluation Kit for Windows CE. The Socket Bluetooth Platform Builder 3.0 (PB3) Program offers the ability for Embedded Windows CE developers to design Socket Bluetooth products into their reference platforms. Each kit includes one of Socket's small form-factor Bluetooth hardware modules plus a versatile adapter board that allows the module to communicate with a standard computer interface for development and testing purposes. Socket's modules will support both intelligent appliances that include an operating system and simple devices that may not have an operating system.

The Evaluation Kit is intended to make it easy for hardware designers and software developers to test the operation of Socket's miniature Bluetooth modules with a broad range of Windows CE custom portable devices whose size, target cost, or usage profile make embedded Bluetooth connections preferable to conventional Bluetooth plug-in cards.

The Evaluation Kit is part of Socket's broader strategy for Bluetooth implementation. Bluetooth deployments are affected by delays from chip set suppliers, as well as revisions to the Bluetooth specification. Socket is offering evaluation kits to facilitate the integration of Bluetooth. Along with the Windows CE kits, Socket Communications is offering three other Bluetooth Software Development Kits:

• Bluetooth Card SDK- Provides a Bluetooth card development solution supporting point-to-point connectivity and support for 4 Bluetooth profiles: dial-up networking (DUN); service discovery; general access; and serial (cable replacement)
• LAN Access SDK- A combined development kit between Socket and Axis Communications
• Embedded Developers Kit - Provides customized OEM support through the Socket Bluetooth Embedded Module solution

Socket is offering these Bluetooth SDKs to qualified developers who complete a qualification form indicating their application meets the criteria for Bluetooth implementation. The first kits will be made available to developers interested in a limited range of applications.

Participants in the program will receive the latest software and firmware updates as they become available up to 30 days after the first retail shipment. Each kit contains Socket Bluetooth CompactFlash cards that have a serial number and a firmware release number. If firmware updates become available, Socket will issue new cards to program participants.

In order to remain in the program, participants must return cards with earlier releases of firmware to Socket upon request. More detailed information on the kits is available on Socket's Website.

Link:
Socket Communications, Inc.