iPad 3 'first tablet' with Bluetooth 4.0
Yeah, but WTF is Bluetooth 4.0?
The Bluetooth SIG, overseer of the wireless communications standard, was quick this morning to state that Apple's iPad 3 "is the world’s first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet, incorporating Bluetooth 4.0 and its hallmark feature low energy technology".
The SIG didn't say as much, but this is no surprise since not only the iPhone 4S but also the latest MacBook Airs support Bluetooth 4.0 too.
But what the heck actually is Bluetooth 4.0, and why might it matter?
According to the SIG, "as a Bluetooth Smart Ready hub, the new iPad is ready to connect to the expanding universe of Bluetooth devices" including "new Bluetooth Smart devices: fitness sensors like the Polar H7 or Wahoo Blue Heart Rate Monitors, Casio G-Shock GB-6900 Smart Watch, etc.".
Still not sure what it's about? Check out our 'WTF is... Bluetooth 4.0?' feature and find out. ®
COMMENTS
Re: How about old school HDMI?
Because the adaptor costs more that a standard micro hdmi cable, maybe?
OK then
But perhaps Apple should work on their software stack so it can do simple things from Bluetooth 1.0 like send files to other bluetooth devices.
Until they get that fixed, they can have whatever fucking Bluetooth hardware version they want, as the fact is, they don't even have Bluetooth 1.0 yet in software.
Re: How about old school HDMI?
An industry standard but still somewhat odd connector is still industry standard.
Such a socket also does not use up the ONE AND ONLY expansion port on the device.
Then there's the fact that your one-and-only-expansion port is also your power connector.
Re: Whitetooth more like I suspect.
Completely false mr Chris 171.
Actually Bluetooth 4 blows the doors right open and third party apps can connect directly to Bluetooth 4 devices without special licensing or intervention from Apple. App Store approved too.
I've made such app myself to connect to an Arduino with a homebrew Bluetooth 4 receiver (CC2540 chip)
No shitty old Bluetooth communications range either, about the same as Wifi.
