The Bluetooth 2.1 is incorporating
NFC.
This is a very interesting and smart approach. The core concept is the use of NFC during the “authenticate” pairing interactions, vs. the use of passcodes over Bluetooth itself… the result, a much better and faster usage experience. Very smart indeed. I love it.
This is not about Bluetooth communication over NFC, but as mentioned above, using NFC to pair (authenticate) devices. The implications on user experience are great; everyone dislikes having to enter PIN numbers and so on; it is time consuming and error prone. This approach being faster also saves power. It also makes Bluetooth more secure, as you potentially could turn “off” Bluetooth to everyone, except to handsets that intentionally come into (very close) proximity. This means that Blue-spammers using BlueCasting must come into very close proximity before able to spam you – yes, that would be close enough for POW! – punching them on the face.
Below is GearLive's video of Bluetooth/NFC in action:
An important note is that this convergence between Bluetooth and NFC will or should help accelerate the adoption of NFC on handsets. This adoption will also have a positive impact on the adoption of NFC-based mobile payments.
Read more:
> How NFC can to speed Bluetooth transactions—today (Wireless Net Design Line)
> Read Bluetooth 2.1 Offers Touch Based Pairing, Reduced Power Consumption (Mobileburn)
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