Bluetooth Enables Retro Designs at 2013 CES

you will see companies bucking the modernistic trend and opting for retro styling. Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) member companies are no exception.

Let’s head back in time and take a look at the 1950’s jukebox—a staple in soda fountains and restaurants. Bringing back that loving feeling is ION Audio with the introduction of the Jukebox Dock and Retro Rocker. These tabletop, vintage-looking versions of the jukebox take it to the next level with Bluetooth^® technology. Start a sock hop anywhere by wirelessly streaming music from any Bluetooth enabled device.

The iBT44 from SDI iHome hearkens back to a simpler time when Biz Markie, Doug E Fresh & Slik Rick and Beastie Boys boomed loudly in city parks and on street corners. The iBT44 looks just like an 80’s boombox. Do you know what makes it better? Bluetooth technology, of course. Everything is better with Bluetooth. The iBT44 streams music wirelessly from any compatible Bluetooth technology enabled device.

Tivoli Audio introduced the PAL^® BT. The PAL BT is a portable radio that adds Bluetooth technology’s advanced A2DP profile to achieve high-quality audio. When you are not listening to your favorite radio stations, you can listen to your favorite music from any Bluetooth enabled device. Just switch to auxiliary to pair them up. It all comes wrapped up in Tivoli’s sleek and retro design.

Geneva transformed the classic travel flip case alarm clock into a full-fledged sound system. The Geneva Sound System Model XS features an integrated digital FM tuner and stereo Bluetooth technology playback all in a compact case that folds up and fits in a briefcase. Music streams wirelessly to the Model XS from any Bluetooth enabled device, such as iPad, iPhone and other smartphones and tablets. Oh, and it’s still a clock.

The final item in this retro rollup is the POP Bluetooth^®. Inspired by the 1950’s Bakelite phone, the POP Bluetooth uses Bluetooth technology instead of a headphone jack to connect to your device. This keeps the neck strain to a minimum and allows you to navigate while talking with reduced background noise for a clearer conversation.

Bluetooth With Infared

The system that comprises
computers and other electronics makes use of varieties
of wires, cables, etc. 

These parts will communicate through light beams,
lasers, radio signals, and infrared.  The problem
however, is the devices and technology is often the
connection between each component.  Therefore, most
electronic systems aren't used to their full extent
due to the problems and imperfections.

To help simplify things, a solution was created -
the solution of Bluetooth.  Bluetooth is wireless
and automatic, offering users a variety of features
that have simplified the art of connection.  Bluetooth
has revolutionized the standard methods of connecting
things to enabling almost anything to be connected
to a single system.

Aside from Bluetooth, there are other ways of
connecting wireless devices.  One example of such
is the IR or infrared.  Infrared allows low frequency
light waves to transmit signals to another component.
This technology is easy to create and the cost of
putting the IR device into a system is rather low.

Infrared technology is a one to one process.  Due
to the limitation, you may only send signals from one
device to another, similar to a television set and
remote control.  You can only transmit signals
between the two although not with a seperate system.

Aside from the fact that these two natures of
infrared are obstacles to acquiring results, these
same qualities have worked in advantage to the
connection.  Infrared devices need to be lined up
directly, meaning too little interference can occur
between the transmitters and receivers.

The technology behind Bluetooth works by transmitting
signals through low frequency radio signals.  The
path of communication is working on 2.45 GHz, which
is the same frequency band used in ISM devices.