New Bluetooth Add-on for Palm Vx

Red-M, a supplier of advanced Bluetooth networking products, has just launched the Red-M Blade, a Bluetooth clip-on for the Palm Vx, giving it short-range wireless networking capabilities. Its design allows the handheld to be placed in its cradle without removing the clip-on. Combined with Red-M's BladeLink software, connection in the office, home, or on the road is seamless and automatic. It will be available in retail stores this month for $200.

When in the office or at home, the Red-M Blade can link to a Bluetooth network, such as that provided by Red-M's 3000AS access server and 1000AP access point devices, to allow access to local information and the Internet.

When out of the office the Red-M Blade can connect to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to allow access to the Internet. It will identify and can connect with other authorized Bluetooth devices, such as a PC, to allow wireless synchronization. It can also communicate with other Bluetooth-enabled Palm powered devices for applications like game playing.

It uses the Palm's own internal battery and the company estimates that a charge will last both devices for two days with normal use.

Red-M’s Bluetooth management software allows users to view a list of all of the devices to which they are able to connect, this includes both personal end points such as PCs, PDAs, phones and also access points in a network. This lets users establish a connection from wherever they are within the Bluetooth network. If required, the user can restrict the number of devices and connect to only specific devices.

Many of the device's features are provided via software that is installed on the Palm. Upgrades that will support additional features and enhanced connectivity will be downloadable from the company's Web site.

John Cook, senior director of product marketing at Palm, Inc., adds, "We are delighted that Red-M is implementing a Bluetooth wireless application. The Red-M Blade combines the benefits of Bluetooth with the power of the Palm handheld to enable wireless access to relevant information."

About Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a specification for a small form-factor, low-cost, radio connection providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable and handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, made up of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter companies 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Palm and Toshiba, and more than 1,800 adopter companies.

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