SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Nokia (NOK) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: LarsA who wrote (9747)3/8/2001 9:48:00 AM
From: Puck  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 34857
 
Nokia's products have an intangible that all of its dozens of competitors have attempted to equal but failed, which, in a word, is style in product design. Style is something which can't be purchased. It seems to be something you are born with.



To: LarsA who wrote (9747)3/8/2001 10:35:32 AM
From: 49thMIMOMander  Respond to of 34857
 
LarsA, I don't the free 2.4GHz band can offer any reliable
service.

Actually I believe there will be some need to further
regulate 2.4GHz. At that high frequency it is easy to make
a very directional antenna which will reach much longer
than 100m, but that also gives the possibilty to "mess
up things" for others, often by mistake, sometimes maybe on
purpose.(competing advertisement stations,etc)

Security is another issue, having a bluetooth backdoor
to the terminal is not a perfect idea??

Ilmarinen.



To: LarsA who wrote (9747)3/8/2001 12:05:13 PM
From: Terrapin  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 34857
 
Hi Lars,

I was talking with my wife about this the other night and we came to a couple conclusions (opinions). Let me ask you this: how many times have you misplaced your cellphone, PDA, or music device? If you are like most people you have misplaced at least on of these things a few times a week. Now imagine having to keep them all together (or near each other) in order for the connection to function. It would be quite a juggling act. But who knows, maybe the designers have something up their sleeves to help with this.

Either way, Nokia has been a driving force for Bluetooth these past few years. I would have to think they have a fair grasp of its disruptive possibilities.

Just some thoughts,
Terrapin



To: LarsA who wrote (9747)3/9/2001 4:23:25 AM
From: Mika Kukkanen  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 34857
 
Ericsson denies BLIP is a threat to operators
Ray Hegarty
Mar 08, 2001, 06:07 PM ET

From www.the451.com ties in with what I posted earlier.

New York - Ericsson denies its recently released BLIP (Bluetooth Local Infotainment Point) hardware platform could destroy wireless carriers' plans for location-based revenue. Wireless operators and corporations will use BLIP as complementary technology to support the existing and new packet-based infrastructure, claims Ericsson's BLIP general manager, Peter Lundin.

BLIP aims to offer local instant access to information, entertainment, m-commerce coupons and last-minute deals. The BLIP concept comprises stand-alone local platforms, or hubs, that will enable users within a short distance of each other to communicate via Bluetooth-enabled devices. Bluetooth is the wireless technology that connects electronic devices using short-range radio links.

Ericsson envisions a wireless world in which consumers will use the nearest BLIP server station to access instant Web information. "Imagine travel information and timetables that can be transmitted to a Bluetooth-enabled device," said Lundin.

In theory, BLIP can support full-fledged wireless connections, and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones don't have to be tied to operators' cellular networks, bypassing them by using an unbilled Bluetooth connection instead. For the operators, it is not just a matter of Bluetooth eating into wireless airtime. Data services such as email, Internet browsing, subscriptions, advertising and online transactions could be lost to wireless operators, with the value going to Bluetooth access providers instead. At present, Bluetooth is restricted to communication within a 10-meter (33-foot) radius, but later versions of the standard are expected to extend the distance to 100 meters.

But rather than BLIP technology giving rise to rival Bluetooth network providers offering competing wireless data and voice services, Lundin argues that wireless operators will integrate BLIP technology with their existing network infrastructure and business plans. Ericsson is already actively discussing such partnerships with operators to provide a new service channel, he claimed.

The first BLIP access server is due to be deployed this summer in Sweden. Prices will begin at $3,000. But despite Ericsson's protestations to the contrary, a one-time expenditure of $3,000 provides significant savings over ongoing 3G airtime costs, and effectively creates a low-cost fixed-network infrastructure for all types of data transmission.

Ericsson is in a difficult position. As one of the primary infrastructure providers, it stands to make a lot of money from wireless operators' 2.5G and 3G buildout. Yet BLIP and similar Bluetooth access servers threaten to cut into the very reason operators are investing so much in cellular licenses and data equipment.

Operators are currently searching for new business models that will increase their revenue and customer loyalty while lowering their costs. Location-relevant services provide an opportunity to get customers to pay a premium for mobile communications, helping the operators avoid the commoditization of wireless voice service.

Ericsson's BLIP is only the latest Bluetooth Internet access server to become available.
Red-M, a UK-based division of Madge Networks, launched its Bluetooth Internet access server technology last year. Red-M is much more forthright about the opportunities Bluetooth presents to enterprises and the threat it poses to wireless operators: "Many of the current applications for WAP have been limited by the available network bandwidth. By combining WAP with Bluetooth, we are able to deliver WAP services at up to 100 times faster than those offered on current cellular networks. We believe this will help stimulate the demand for WAP applications and drive the market for mobile data communications solutions," said Red-M product line manager Graham Carter during the launch of the company's WAP gateway on the 3000AS Bluetooth access server last month.

As similar products begin to enter the market, and as Bluetooth enabled mobile devices begin to proliferate, an alternative service sector may spring up.