October 15, 2001 – Coming soon: an "official" blueprint for Bluetooth auto apps.

The Bluetooth SIG today announced that its Car Working Group, established in December 1999, has released a definition of how Bluetooth will enable hands-free use of mobile phones in automobiles.

To be voted on by the SIG membership, prototype products using the new profile are expected by the end of this year.

Among the uses: establishing automatic connections between the car's hands-free system (typically part of its audio system) and a mobile phone the driver brings into the car.

"Product designers, including those in the automobile market, are looking for high volume, easy to implement wireless standards," said Simon Ellis, chairman of the Bluetooth SIG marketing committee. "The Bluetooth specification is meeting the needs of existing and new applications for wireless products by diligently focusing on worldwide interoperability and ease of use."

The Bluetooth SIG formed the Car Working Group in response to interest by the automotive industry. The Hands-Free profile is the first of several application level specifications expected from the working group.