Claim: Nokia to update Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0 support

Nokia is looking to scroll out an update for its family of Windows Telephone viii products to introduce Bluetooth iv.0 support. Sources familiar with company plans have confirmed to The Verge that the update will include "low energy back up for fitness devices like Fitbit, every bit well every bit a range of accessories Nokia is looking to launch".

We previously looked at leaked a PowerPoint slide detailing Bluetooth 4.0 support for the Lumia 520, 620 and 720, but Nokia will also reportedly be updating the 820, 920 and Lumia 1020 families of Windows Phones. All Nokia Windows Phone 8 hardware evidently include chipsets that support Bluetooth 4.0, simply the functionality has withal to be enabled.

The Verge likewise notes that Nokia'south new accessories will focus on Bluetooth low energy support combined with location services, including Hither Maps and HERE Drive. It's expected that Bluetooth 4.0 back up will arrive in the Bister update (due in the coming weeks and months) but since the Lumia 925 and Lumia 1020 do not support Bluetooth iv.0, we could well be looking at a post-GDR2 update or the characteristic being enabled by a system software rollout, akin to Display + Touch.

Interestingly plenty, this seems to be a Nokia-just endeavor with the Finnish visitor getting ahead of Microsoft for official Bluetooth 4.0 back up. That means companies like Samsung, HTC and Huawei will either have to wait until Microsoft enables that feature (peradventure by GDR3) or they volition have to write their ain Bluetooth stacks, something for which nosotros wouldn't pin loftier hopes on.

Regardless, this is yet another example of how Nokia is driving the platform innovation while their competition sits by. Volition future-enabled Bluetooth 4.0 support make a difference to yous? How will yous apply it? Let u.s. know in comments.

via: The Verge

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