Point-of-Purchase a Natural for M-Com

It looks more like a bright red egg than a standalone ATM machine, but NCR's Freedom being demonstrated at the Marriott Marquis in New York's Times Square could actually be a golden egg. The machines themselves have no screen or keyboard – they only provide input and display functions. Consumers type their cash withdrawal requests into their PDA or mobile phone, then point the device at the ATM to get the money. A security pin number, also typed into the device itself, allows access to the account.

Still to be determined, but on the right track: the trial-run by Ericsson and Eurocard AB in Sweden that combined Ericsson's R520 Bluetooth phones with a virtual Eurocard to provide point-and-zap cash-register purchases. What about it, guys? What were the results?

Headsets

New York State's decision to ban the use of mobile phones while driving and sentiment against driving and cell-talking are revving up headset sales, according to U.S. headsets manufacturer, Plantronics. Headset sales increased by more than 300 percent last year – hitting $50 million – and Plantronics said it expects to see a sharp increase as New York's law goes into effect November 1, 2001.

Bluetooth headsets could bite into this market. Available now: Ericsson's Bluetooth HB-H10, a wireless portable hands-free headset intended to be used with other Bluetooth devices, like mobile phones; GN Netcom's 9010 / GN 9015, a headset for use with a PC or mobile phone with a Bluetooth interface; and Digianswer's Bluetooth Headset, a mobile phone accessory for use with a PC or mobile phone with a Bluetooth interface. Soon to be released: Plantronics M1000, capable of transmitting and receiving signals from compatible cell phones and PDAs.

Keeping an Eye on Luggage

A practical Bluetooth solution for travelers from Sabre Holding and BlueTags: eBaggage Tracking, a pilot product that keeps tabs on baggage from start to finish. Using Bluetooth and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies from BlueTags and based on electronic "tags" that the Danish company has patented, the service will give both travelers and airlines the ability to keep track of where bags have been, where they are going and – most importantly – where they are.

Travelers will be able to electronically check their bags with the airline by using a special scanner, and, upon arrival, will receive messages about the whereabouts of those bags over their wireless handhelds. EBaggage Tracking is scheduled to be available during the fourth quarter of 2001.

Solutions for the Mobile Workforce

Toshiba is forging ahead in the Blue realm. It has released two high-end notebook PCs with built-in Bluetooth antennas, the new Tecra 9000 Series and Portege 4000 Series. It's also working on something most mobile workers can identify with: a way to synchronize "presentation" equipment. The solution: Toshiba's Bluetooth Data Projector Kit that supports wireless links between a PC and projector. The aim, of course, is to simplify the set up and adjustment of equipment for meetings, promotional events and presentations. Launched in Japan in late March, the kit – compatible with any Toshiba PC with Windows 98 SE or Windows 98 ME and LCD data projectors with a PCMCIA slot – will be launched in Europe next, then in the U.S.

Hewlett-Packard and Denmark's MPI Tech have teamed up to bring printing capabilities to the Bluetooth experience. The solution, MPI's Bluetooth Printer Adapter with HP Deskjet 900 C inkjet printers and its Laserjet 1000, 2000 and 4000 series printers, will allow wireless printing from HP and non-HP notebook and handheld computers, mobile phones, printers and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. initially in North America, Germany, France and the UK.

Healthy Idea for Bluetooth

Medical uses are a natural for wireless connectivity. Among the pioneers, Advanced Medical Electronics Corporation, which is using grant money from the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a Bluetooth interface for medical instruments. The application would allow instant transfer of time-critical electrocardiograph data as the patient is being transported to the hospital.

Driving the Point Home

No doubt about it. Bluetooth could reign in the telematic realm. Among the notable entrants: Motorola's Bluetooth car kit. Bluetooth telematics will allow a slew of cool apps, including door unlock capabilities, on-board vehicle diagnostics, vehicle navigation and synchronization with handheld devices.