Bluetooth only one of many wireless technologies for the vehicle
5 November 2003
News
Adoption of Bluetooth has been steadily increasing since its OEM automotive debut in the 2003 Saab 9-3 motor vehicle. Although Bluetooth will continue its momentum in new 2004 models from Acura, Audi, Lexus, Lincoln, Maybach, and Toyota to name a few, a new ABI research study finds that its role will be limited.
Protocols based on 802.11, such as DSRC (dedicated short range communications), promise to fill the need for longer range, higher bandwidth applications that will not only link vehicles with roadside data access points, but between each other. Ratification of the new DSRC protocol is expected by the end of 2004, with aftermarket automotive offerings quickly following suit. Aftermarket 802.11-based automotive products will appear by the end of this year, initially focused on entertainment applications.
"While Bluetooth serves as an ideal automotive PAN (personal area network) protocol, it is not meant to be a 'do-it-all' technology," states Frank Viquez, ABI director of automotive electronics and report author. "There are a myriad of other wireless technologies currently under evaluation for inter and intra-vehicle safety, telematics, commerce, information, and entertainment-type applications. These partially include Ultra Wideband, RFID, DSRC, 802.11, 802.16 (WiMAX), and satellite."
Despite the many wireless technologies that are currently under scrutiny for their automotive potential, ABI says from its research, Bluetooth and 802.11 are the early favourites. According to ABI, the global installed base of vehicles with factory-fitted Bluetooth or 802.11-based hardware will reach 25 million vehicles in 2008.
www.abiresearch.com
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of
Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction,
Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...
Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX 2026, the Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, in Stuttgart from 6-8 October 2026, how advanced surface-mount automation helps companies grow their business and increase productivity.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The art of measuring the truth
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
All electronic measurements are a lie. The trick is making the lie as small as possible.
Read more...
TSE has relocated
News
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) has entered a new chapter with its relocation from the CSIR campus to TUT-owned building at Ditsela Place in Hatfield.
Read more...
Innovative MyLegrand app
RS South Africa
News
Legrand SA is set to launch the MyLegrand mobile application, a digital platform designed to strengthen engagement across its professional network.
Read more...
Kulani Energy acquires critical assets from Optipower
News
Kulani Energy preserves engineering, procurement, and construction capability and positions a wholly women-owned firm at the forefront of South Africa’s grid expansion.
Read more...
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
News
Würth Elektronik South Africa has taken a significant step forward with its recent relocation from Cape Town to Johannesburg, marking a new phase of growth and ambition for the company.
Read more...
Lesley Havenga: Building partnerships for Africa’s electronics future
Editor's Choice News
As Würth Electronik expands its footprint across South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan region, Havenga’s blend of manufacturing expertise, supply chain knowledge, and people-centred leadership appears well suited to the task.
Read more...
printer friendly version