Brainboxes, the Bluetooth and serial PC add on specialists, has announced their first USB design for Bluetooth, expanding their range to cover all common interface ports. The adaptor and software drivers add simple, no battery Bluetooth functionality to any computing device with a USB port. The new adaptor is based upon Cambridge Silicon Radio’s BlueCore02 chip, thus ensuring flawless compatibility and performance. The adaptor also includes on board flash memory making it user upgradeable to the latest version of the Bluetooth specification.

The adaptor is designed to meet the immediate needs of those wishing to add Bluetooth functionality to either desktop or laptop computers, though it is suitable for any device possessing a USB port, including games consoles. The adaptor is line powered from the USB port and has an internal antenna built into the PCB board. Externally it consists of only three elements; the USB plug, 75cm of shielded cable, and the dongle itself. Shielded in an appealing two tone, impact resistant, plastic case and with an optional clip for attachment to laptop, the robust adaptor is ideal for mobile computing. For volume orders the length of cable can be specified and prices will vary accordingly.

“USB has grown into one of the most popular and simple data connections for consumers,” remarks Stephen Evans, marketing manager at Brain Boxes, “Bluetooth needs to be made similarly accessible for widespread adoption. Our new USB adaptor brings hassle-free wireless connections to the devices people own now. Simple, upgradeable, and with an appealing form factor we expect this adaptor to be one of our best sellers over 2002.”

The new USB adaptor is part of a wide range of Bluetooth products available from Brain Boxes, including Type I Compact Flash, RS232 and Type II PCMCIA. The entire range run upon Brain Boxes’ accredited software stack, which is compatible with Windows CP, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows 98, meaning that full support for both hardware and software are available directly from Brain Boxes. Alternatively Brain Boxes’ Bluetooth products can be used with a Bluetooth software stack from any third party vendor.

Brain Boxes, a specialist in data communication add ons since 1984, has one of the widest ranges of Bluetooth compliant products on the market, and had its first Bluetooth product declared compliant by the Bluetooth SIG in early 2000. All of Brain Boxes products are designed and manufactured at their premises in Liverpool.