Ericsson introduces Bluetooth interoperability testing of consumer products

Ericsson Technology Licensing today launched a program for Bluetooth interoperability testing. The purpose is to verify products solely from a user point of view.

The Ericsson Bluetooth Interoperability Program focuses on which functionality different Bluetooth products support when communicating with each other and which user scenarios they can handle.

Various Bluetooth devices support different functionality. A computer can for example support the exchanging of business cards with a PDA and vice versa. But it’s not easy for a consumer to know which functionality each specific device supports.

"Consumers should not have to care about technical details," says Johan Åkesson, marketing director of Ericsson Technology Licensing. "All they want to know is what their products can do together."

Products that are interoperability tested by Ericsson have already been qualified according to the mandatory Bluetooth Qualification Program, which guarantees a correct Bluetooth implementation. Ericsson’s interoperability testing is optional and serves the purpose of testing on an application level. It is performed by Ericsson’s independent Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility (BQTF), ensuring high quality and confidentiality.

Ericsson’s interoperability testing is targeted at manufacturers of Bluetooth products. With the agreement of the manufacturer, the results will also be made public in a cross-reference list in selected publications.

Several consumer product manufacturers have already shown interest in the interoperability testing program.

About Ericsson Technology Licensing
Ericsson Technology Licensing develops state-of-the-art Bluetooth design solutions optimized for mobile communication, computing and media devices. As a major driving force behind the Bluetooth initiative, we have been instrumental in the development of Bluetooth wireless technology from a simple idea into a widely acclaimed industry standard. Our complete portfolio of IP Cores for Bluetooth baseband and radio together with a complete Bluetooth software package, qualification services, training and design services provides semiconductor and original equipment manufacturers the fastest, most reliable course for implementing Bluetooth  wireless technology in new products.