Sports Techy RSS Feed
Sports Techy on Facebook
Sports Techy on Twitter
| More

Sports Equipment Technology

Bluetooth SIG Initiates Technology's Use and Growth in Sports and Fitness Markets

February 10, 2012

(SPORTS TECHNOLOGY)

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has taken initiative to drive and build the Sports and Fitness Working Group to enhance interoperability between Bluetooth enabled sports and fitness sensor products and training computers (Bluetooth Smart devices) and hub devices. SIG officials said they are accepting new members to drive the whole cause.


In the present market, Bluetooth is used in variety of smart devices and hub devices such as smartphones, PCs, TVs (Bluetooth Smart Ready devices), gym equipment, watches and more to allow a new generation of functionality.

Many agree on the fact that the Bluetooth v4.0 with low energy technology offers any device, from a static data-collecting sensor to a laptop or tablet, the ability to connect, share and distribute information in real-time, according to the SIG.

To date, Bluetooth wireless technology has been offering limited energy consumption, usability, functionality and install-base to various technology instruments.

Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG, said, "While there has been potential for innovation in the sports and fitness market, the introduction of Bluetooth v4.0 makes this potential nearly limitless and we are excited about the adoption and use cases we have seen from our members - the Nike+ FuelBand, Polar's heart rate sensor, and Wahoo Fitness' wide array of sensors - to name a few. “

Foley said that their members are choosing to utilize Bluetooth v4.0 instead of other wireless options because of its massive install base, simple paring and low power features and sports and fitness devices that have never had a wireless component, as well as devices that previously used proprietary wireless technologies, are now connecting further and made better with Bluetooth technology.

SIG officials said that they are currently opening the registration for the Sports and Fitness Working Group and Sports and Fitness Bluetooth Ecosystem Team (BET (News - Alert)) and are open to Bluetooth SIG Associate and Promoter members. Members interested in working directly on the specification itself should join the Working Group.


Jyothi Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jyothi's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Carrie Schmelkin