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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Socket Launches Feature-Rich Bluetooth Development Kit for Next Generation KwikBlue Modules
NEWARK, Calif.-- Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT), the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, today announced its Development Services group launched the KwikBlue(TM) Module Development Kit which supports Socket's recently announced next generation KwikBlue(TM) Module with Bluetooth(R) wireless technology. These modules, coupled with Socket's field-proven Windows CE protocol stack and value-added integration services, are ideal for companies wanting to add short-range Bluetooth wireless connectivity to their products. KwikBlue Module design wins include PDAs, mobile printers, serial dongles, industrial automation equipment, bar code scanning and conference room whiteboard connectivity.
With this kit, developers can access Bluetooth 2.0+EDR features provided by the Cambridge Silicon Radio BC04 chip set including: EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), AFH (Adaptive Frequency Hopping) and eSCO (Extended SCO) support. The Development Kit provides an adapter board that enables the KwikBlue Module to communicate with a standard computer interface for development and testing; connections include serial and USB ports. Designed to support the new BC04-based KwikBlue4 Module, the adapter board also works with Socket's existing BC02 KwikBlue Modules. Included in the kit are Bluetooth stack software development tools, reference documentation and support hardware.
The KwikBlue4 Module is currently deployed as a Class 1 Bluetooth radio with a range up to 100 meters/300 feet. This design is further optimized for longer range with better receive sensitivity and transmit power than others in its class. It is offered in Surface Mount Device (SMD) packaging with an on-board antenna or an external antenna connection point. Socket provides reference designs for a carrier board with the 20-pin connector enabling developers to generate a "drop-in design" to existing products. The KwikBlue4 Module complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Socket's KwikBlue Module Development Kit is one of five developer kits offered by Socket for developers seeking to add connectivity or create applications for enhancing a mobile worker's productivity. Socket's five developer kits include SocketScan (bar code scanning), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification readers), GPS (Global Positioning Systems), WLAN (Wireless LAN), and the KwikBlue Module. Socket will be showcasing its family of Software Development Kits at the Microsoft Mobile & Embedded Developers Conference (MEDC), May 9-12, 2005, in Las
Pricing and Availability
The KwikBlue Module Development Kit costs $1,999 and will be available in June 2005. Sample modules include the Class 2 BC02 KwikBlue-2 Module and the surface-mount Class 1 BC04 KwikBlue4 Module. By using Socket's carrier board reference designs, developers can supplement the Class 1 BC04 module with a 20-pin connector; this form factor can then be used to drop the KwikBlue4 into existing solutions.
For further information about Socket's KwikBlue Modules, please visit: http://www.socketcom.com/embedded/bluetooth.asp.
About Socket
Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, provides a broad range of connectivity and data collection products for mobile devices using Microsoft's Windows Mobile, Windows XP, Palm, RIM and Symbian-based operating systems. These mobile devices include PDAs, smartphones, Tablet PCs and notebooks that support standard expansion mechanisms. Socket's Mobility Friendly(TM) products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly(R) power consumption in their class. Socket's Development Services team provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC(TM) interface chips, KwikBlue(TM) Modules with embedded Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, as well as other technologies implemented in Socket's wide range of products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.
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