The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced a new way it will provide for consumers' growing need for speed. The Bluetooth SIG is developing an innovative method of radio substitution. It will allow Bluetooth enabled devices to utilize the presence of 802.11 technology to achieve faster transfer speeds. This architecture will be called 'Alternate MAC/PHY'. To cut the long story short: "This is the wireless technology equivalent of 'low hanging fruit,'" said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, the Bluetooth SIG. "What we're doing is taking classic Bluetooth connections - using Bluetooth protocols, profiles, security and other architectural elements - and allowing it to jump on top of the already present 802.11 radio, when necessary, to send bulky entertainment data, faster. When the speed of 802.11 is overkill, the connection returns to normal operation on a Bluetooth radio for optimal power management and performance." It sounds great and easy, but the Alternate MAC/PHY is not expected to be published to members until mid-2009.