Shortly after the official proclamation of the Bluetooth 3.0 standard, Broadcom Corporation today announces that its leading Bluetooth combo chip has been qualified as compliant with the Bluetooth v3.0 + HS specification. The new standard significantly expands the capabilities of Bluetooth wireless technology in multimedia smartphones, netbooks and other devices by enabling the transmission of large files via Bluetooth profiles at speeds up to 24 Megabits per second (Mbps), or a 10 times increase in speed over the previous Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR (enhanced data rate) standard. With the company's InConcert BCM4325 Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + FM combo chip solution and Bluetooth software, Broadcom becomes the world's first to support the standard in a single-chip solution. With this chip you get Bluetooth 3.0 support, 802.11b/g wireless capability and FM radio functionality. Hopefully, after the quick adoption, Bluetooth 3.0 enabled devices will be out very soon.

The anticipated Bluetooth 3.0 is gearing up to be launched this month. Set to be released on the 21st of April, the third Bluetooth specification will offer improved speeds, though they're not yet finally specified. Bluetooth 3.0 will be backward compatible with older Bluetooth standards. Most importantly Bluetooth 3.0 will use 802.11 protocol to transfer data. This will allow devices to pair through an 802.11 protocol and if there is no Wi-Fi detected, older Bluetooth standard will be used. The new Bluetooth specification will also add Enhanced Power Control - a feature that is said to reduce the number of disconnects between the paired devices and this way save the battery life. Later this month, when Bluetooth 3.0 is finally announced, the Bluetooth SIG will probably start making a list of manufacturers that will incorporate the new technology.

MSI today unveiled the EX625 performance notebook. MSI EX625 features Cinema Pro Technology, which offers consumers the finest movie viewing experience. With a simple touch of the exclusive Cinema Pro button; you may immediately switch to Movie Mode. The quality on screen will be more detailed, the richness in sound and the subwoofer as well as Dolby sound will be activated, providing the finest sensory of the theaters. Furthermore, the embedded high performance subwoofer design can create shocking effects.

Combing Color Film Print Technology with ocean wave patterns in design, the EX625 has been injected with a brand new texture to personal notebook computers. The most advanced ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 graphics card with GDDR3 512MB VRAM, for a more fluid, more detailed, more realistic 3D high-definition viewing experience. In the other hand, EX625 selects the brand new ECO Engine Technology, the outstanding and unique power saving function by MSI Notebook, as the power management function to extend the battery running time while performing different tasks.

Fujitsu has announced an Intel Atom-based UMPC (Ultra-Mobile PC), not to be confused with ULPC. This ultra-portable will focus on the high-end market with a US $1000 to $1200 price tag. It has a 5.6-inch LCD screen, 3.5G data connectivity and GPS and tips the scales at 610g. Specifications can be summarized as:

• Intel Centrino Atom Z530
• SCH US15W (Poulsbo) Chipset
• Touch Screen, 5.6 inches diagonally, 1280 x 800 pixels (WXGA)
• 1 GB DDR2 533 MHz memory
• 60 GB conventional HDD
• Wireless interfaces - Wi-Fi 8021.11n and Bluetooth
• Other - fingerprinting sensor, web-camera, kartovod SD format and CF
• 20wh 2-cell battery

This notebook will be available in three colour models: U2010BU (Ocean Black), U2010GU (Pink Gold), U2010RU (Fuchsia Red).

Gigabyte announced that a new low-priced tablet PC, the M912V. This ultra-portable and affordable tablet PC has a 8.9" frame has a screen that swivels 180 degrees. It has a screen resolution of 1280 x 768 px. The LCD is backlit to enhance battery life. At the heart of this is a 1.60 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB SATA HDD, 802.11b/g wireless, Bluetooth, and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. Connectivity includes 3 USB 2.0 ports, 56k modem, NIC, an ExpressCard slot, and an internal expansion slot for HSDPA.

With so much packed, the M912V tipps the scales at only 2.86 lbs. Gigabyte's new netbook will be available for purchase later this month with a price tag of $699.

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.

Razer, the leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronic peripherals, announced today that the Razer Pro|Click Mobile mouse has begun shipping and will be available for purchase from www.razerpro.com.

The Razer Pro|Click Mobile is an ambidextrous Bluetooth mouse suited for professionals who crave mobility. Whether one is frequenting the airport, cramped café tables or even working from home, the Pro|Click Mobile is designed to provide precision and mobility in constrained spaces - all without the burden and hassle of a mouse wire.