Ericsson and Swedish Railways conduct world's first trial of Bluetooth access system
Date: Thursday, May 18 2000
Ericsson and Swedish Railways, SJ, are conducting the world's first trials with Bluetooth wireless technology in public environments. The purpose of the trial is to test new information services for SJ's passengers and to test Bluetooth wireless technology for communication in public environments. With WAP and Bluetooth mobile phones, passengers can book tickets, confirm seat reservations on spot and also connect to a network on the X 2000 train to reach public and corporate information resources.
Bluetooth access is provided on the central railway station in Stockholm and on an X 2000 express train. Passengers can receive a seamless service from SJ either via GSM when in wide area or over Bluetooth wireless technology when at a station or on a train. A combination of Bluetooth wireless technology, GSM, WAP and Web technologies is used in the trial, which proves that these technologies can be used together and provide a generic technology environment in public transports. In this case, mobile Internet and Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for consumers to integrate tickets, credit cards and personal information management into one personal mobile device. When developing the IT-support for onboard staff, SJ has also come across the need for an infrastructure. The trial together with Ericsson is of strategic importance for SJ when developing these possibilities.
Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for users with mobile phones, portable PCs or PDAs to gain access to information services in public places. For example, when consumers enter a railway station, an airport or a shopping mall, they can receive services provided by the local and remote providers using Bluetooth connection between their mobile device and the Bluetooth Access System. These services can be information about special offers from the local storekeepers in the shopping mall or timetable information and seat reservation at the railway station.
"SJ has received strong indications from customers that they regard communications possibilities to and from trains and also on the train as very important, they want to spend their travel time doing what is most important for them," says Tony Nydén, Manager of IT and infrastructure at SJ. "We envision that Bluetooth access will make it possible for people while on trains to reach not only our services but also public information resources and information resources at their work. This will make travel with trains convenient and productive. It is also important to SJ that the technology we use is a standard on the market for wireless communications, therefore Bluetooth fits very well."
"Ericsson has shown a number of Bluetooth devices, but this is the first time we demonstrate a full scale Bluetooth implementation with products, services and other mobile Internet technologies," says Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications. "The wide range of industries represented by the 1900 companies in the Bluetooth Special Interest Group tells us there will be Bluetooth applications everywhere - but Ericsson is the first to jump on the Bluetooth train."
"It is very exciting working together with our Swedish customer SJ on this trial," says Mats Granryd, Vice President and Sales Director at Ericsson Sverige AB. "This trial combines leading edge technology with the applications of tomorrow. It will give SJ's passengers the possibility to discover mobile Internet and solutions that will be in common use in the future," says Mats Granryd.
The trial duration has been between April 11th and May 19th, 2000. The phones used in the trials are standard Ericsson R320 WAP phones (available on selected GSM markets) with the Ericsson Bluetooth Phone Adapter (available third quarter this year). It is estimated that by 2005 the Bluetooth wireless technology will be a built-in feature in more than 670 million products (according to market researchers Cahners In-Stat Group).
The Bluetooth? wireless technology is set to revolutionize the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter companies 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, and 1900 adopter companies. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson, Sweden.
To view photos of the application, please go to: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom/phli_pcoph.shtml
Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Phone: +46 70 590 9900
Bo Albertson, Marketing Director, Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Phone: + 46 8 764 1388, +46 70 510 0992
Mats Granryd, Sales Director and Vice President, Ericsson Sverige AB
Phone: +46 8 579 180 72, + 46 70 563 0262
Tony Nydén, Manager of IT and infrastructure at SJ
Phone: +46 8 762 37 19, +46 70 762 37 19
About SJ
SJ Passenger Traffic is one of six market-oriented sectors in the SJ Group. Within the framework of national transport policy, SJ operates on a commercial basis, like other companies in the industry, and has none of the functions of a public authority. Last year was most successful for SJ Passenger Traffic with the highest numbers of passengers in the national history of the Swedish railways. The business concept is with the train as a base, on its own and in alliances - to offer journeys and journey-related experiences to people traveling in business, commuting to and from work and school, and travelling in their leisure time.
Please visit SJ at: http://www.sj.se
Ericsson Unveils the First Bluetooth Phone SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2000--Today, at CommunicAsia in Singapore, (NASDAQ:ERICY - news) Ericsson unveiled the first Bluetooth(TM) mobile phone -- the triple-band, WAP-enabled T36. The built-in Bluetooth chip in the T36 makes wireless connectivity possible between the phone and other mobile devices. The T36 features WAP offering access to the Mobile Internet, and supports High Speed Data (HSCSD), making it capable of sending and receiving large amounts of data over the Internet at high speed. It is also the first triple band (GSM 900/1800/1900) phone from Ericsson, which means it can be used in Europe, Asia/Pacific and the Americas -- everywhere in the world where GSM frequency is prevalent. The Ericsson T36 is the first mobile phone to have built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. Bluetooth makes it possible to connect the phone to other devices without using cables, for instance the T36 can be used together with the Bluetooth Headset from Ericsson. The Bluetooth Headset is a lightweight, wireless mobile phone headset, with a built-in Bluetooth radio chip that acts as a connector between the headset and the phone. When your phone rings, or if you want to make a call, you simply press a key on the headset and use the voice recognition feature in the T36 to answer or initiate the call. As well as voice dialing and answering, you can navigate much of the menu system using voice commands and record and store voice memos in the phone's memory. Bluetooth wireless technology also makes it possible to exchange ring signals and business e-cards, as well as play interactive games between phones. The T36 supports High Speed Data (HSCSD) and has a WAP 1.2.1 browser. WAP, one of the hottest words in technology at the moment, is a specification designed to adapt Internet content to be viewed in a mobile phone display. High Speed Data (HSCSD) is technology designed to bring the Internet to your T36 several times faster than a standard GSM connection. Its emergence along with GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) means that mobile Internet behavior and usage patterns will change as large-file transfer become possible with a mobile phone. With a built-in modem and WAP at high speed in your mobile phone you can consult online city guides, order and pay for goods and services, send and receive e-mail and access the company intranet. T36 supports WAP 1.2, recently developed to enable secure mobile e-commerce transactions. T36 can send and receive data as fast as a landline modem, 28.8 kb/s as opposed to GSM which allows for 9.6 kb/s. To achieve this performance, T36 combines two technologies -- HSCSD which is asymmetric use of 2+1 timeslots and 14.4 kbps per timeslot. Connecting to a mobile or stationary PC via Infrared, data cable or a Bluetooth link, the possibilities are endless. Utilizing advanced PIM (Personal Information Management) applications, T36 organizes your phone book according to profile. It updates your calendar, tells you when you've got mail and sends it to you. T36 is also the first mobile phone to incorporate Aircalender, which allows your calendar to receive real-time updates using the open standard Wide Area Network Synchronization. The list of what can be done with T36 is growing every day as more WAP applications are developed and new Bluetooth products arrive on the market. By fine-tuning the mechanism and components of the T36, stand-by and talk-times have been radically improved. Using the Ultra Slim Battery, you get up to 455 minutes talk time and up to 200 hours standby time. Text messaging with the T36 is made easier than ever with the introduction of predictive text input software. Instead of having to press keys several times for a letter, software in your T36 chooses from a dictionary of words and phrases and anticipates what word or phrase you are writing. T36 is a small triple band (GSM 900/1800/1900) mobile phone for people who place importance on fine design and high performance. The T36 supports the GSM frequencies used on five continents and in over 120 countries. The 5-row gray scale display is pleasing to use and an ambient blue background light illuminates the keyboard and display even when the phone is in standby mode. It comes in two colors, Misted Yellow and Classic Blue. Two versions of the T36 will be produced. The T36m, and the T36mc which features a complete Chinese interface that is easy to learn and easy to use. This unique feature allows sending and receiving Chinese SMS messages and also makes it possible to store Chinese names in the Phone Book. The T36 will be available during fourth quarter, 2000. To view the Ericsson T36, please visit http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom/phli_pcoph.shtml == Ericsson AirCalendar First With Standardized Synchronization of Mobile Phones and Web DiariesUsers Can Book Appointments and Get Reminders From a Mobile Phone or PC NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2000-- (NASDAQ: ERICY - news) Ericsson has introduced the first Web-based diary application that meets the new Wide Area Network Synchronization standard. AirCalendar is a new application that allows users to access their diaries wherever they are, either from a mobile phone or from an Internet PC. AirCalendar synchronizes appointments and other entries made using either method, and can provide users with reminders - so the chances of double bookings or missed appointments are greatly reduced. AirCalendar is a client-server solution designed to enable operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer synchronized Web calendar services. Users can access the service from a mobile phone or Internet browser to book meetings, check their diaries, receive notifications and reminders, and access contact and to-do lists. Users can also be notified when another authorized user requests a new or changed appointment. AirCalendar synchronizes WAP phone-based diaries and lists with those stored on the Web or a corporate network. AirCalendar is the first product to support Wide Area Network Synchronization according to 3GPP TS 27.103 (based on IrMc 1.1), which is also supported by other leading mobile technology manufacturers in the 3GPP. AirCalendar can be accessed from GSM and TDMA WAP phones - and future GPRS, EDGE and WCDMA phones - supporting Wide Area Network Synchronization according to 3GPP TS 27.103 (based on IrMc 1.1). Using AirCalendar, co-workers, friends or club members can establish common diaries, separate from their personal diaries. In this way, suitable times for meetings or social occasions can be found and arranged quickly and conveniently. Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at: http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom About remote synchronization Remote synchronization enables users to update and synchronize all types of applications, including e-mail, calendar and to-do lists, wherever they are. New meetings, address book entries and other information can be sent to and from a WAP-enabled mobile phone and corporate or Internet servers, using 3rd Generation Partnership Project technology (3GPP TS 27.103), WAP and the open synchronization technology IrMC 1.1. Ericsson demonstrated the world's first wide area network (WAN) remote synchronization service over WAP at CeBIT 2000, using the open synchronization technology IrMC 1.1. 3GPP TS 27.103 is the first global standard for remote synchronization specialized for mobile phones, and is fully supported by Ericsson, in recognition of the importance of establishing a global and open worldwide standard. == Ericsson Unveils the First GPRS Phone With Bluetooth - the R520- One of three world premiers in Singapore SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2000-- Today, at CommunicAsia in Singapore, (NASDAQ:ERICY - news) Ericsson unveiled the first GPRS phone with Bluetooth(TM), the triple band R520. A world premier, the R520 is the first step toward more advanced mobile Internet applications, featuring GPRS, High Speed Data (HSCSD), Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology and WAP. Besides maximum speed levels the R520 also offers complete wireless connectivity with a built-in Bluetooth chip, removing requirements for cables between the phone and other mobile devices, such as PCs and handsfree devices. The R520 is one of three products Ericsson presents in Singapore, all based on the company's leading technologies in wireless communications. ``Unveiling the first GPRS mobile phone puts us in the leading position in mobile handsets and together with our number one position in mobile telecommunications infrastructure, in a unique position as an end-to-end supplier,'' says Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. ``These are the key factors for winning further GPRS contracts and for selling systems and handsets for 3G.'' ``With over 50 percent of the GPRS systems market, Ericsson is the world leader,'' continues Ahrenbring. ``We have 41 commercial agreements on commercial GPRS systems and have delivered 44 test systems to leading operators around the world. Our new GPRS phone opens a new chapter for consumers, allowing packet data to be transmitted five times the speed than regular GSM, and adds a new dimension of convenience for the user.'' The R520 features a WAP browser, making it Ericsson's sixth WAP handset. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is a technology designed to bring Internet content to users of wireless devices. GPRS will make mobile Internet cheaper, faster and more user-friendly than ever before. General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) and High Speed Data makes it possible for the consumer to send and receive data much faster than what has been possible over regular GSM. GPRS also enables the consumer to always be on-line, ensuring the R520 to keep the consumer continuously connected to mobile Internet services. Additionally, the phone also supports High Speed Data (HSCSD) which gives an extra option for fast speed transmission of data. Besides maximum speed levels the R520 also offers complete wireless connectivity with the built-in Bluetooth chip. For instance the R520 can be used together with the Bluetooth Headset from Ericsson, or be connected to a PC with the Ericsson Bluetooth PC Card. Together with this cut-edge technology, Ericsson provides operators with end-to-end GPRS infrastructure solutions, ensuring that GPRS will be implemented in GSM networks toward the end of 2000. At CommunicAsia, Ericsson is demonstrating live mobile Internet applications over an end-to-end GPRS network using the new R520. Ericsson currently has introduced GPRS services for GSM 900/1800/1900 networks. Operators, who have bought Ericsson's GPRS solution, have close to 95 million subscribers in their networks. The R520 will be tested by operators and service providers during Q3 and Q4 2000, it will be available in limited volumes during Q4 2000 and in commercial volumes during Q1 2001. The R520 supports GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies, allowing communication with one phone throughout 120 countries in five continents. Other technical details GPRS is a common step for GSM and TDMA (GPRS/EDGE) to handle higher data speeds and the transition to 3G. With GPRS, packet switched data transmission is added to the traditional circuit switched transport on a regular GSM network. Data is broken into packets instead of sent as a steady stream. As a result, the mobile device user remains ``virtually'' connected to the server, using airtime only when data is actually being sent. GPRS thereby optimises air time usage (and possibly associated connection costs) as well as power consumption. Being connected to the Mobile Internet does not interfere with receiving a phone call, as the data session may be put on hold while the call is answered. The e-mail functionality in the R520 supports most e-mail services allowing you to stay in touch irrespective of location. There is also a calendar with different views; month, week, day and a ``tasks'' list. Automatic synchronization with a PC via WAP/Internet, Bluetooth, infrared technology or cable is possible. R520 features a loudspeaker, which gives it speakerphone functionality, and a proximity switch; by simply putting the phone to ones ear, the phone switches from speakerphone mode to regular mode. It also features numerous other functions that make it a highly effective communication tool such as hierarchical phone book with up to 511 contacts and predictive text input. Instead of having to press keys several times for a letter, software in the R520 chooses from a dictionary of words and phrases and anticipates what word or phrase you are writing. By just saying a ``magic word'' the enhanced voice recognition makes it possible to ``wake up'' the R520 from standby mode, making it receptive to voice commands. In this way, there's no need to press any buttons on the phone, making it easy and safe to use even while driving a car. Two versions of the R520 will be produced. The R520m, and the R520mc which features a complete Chinese interface that is easy to learn and easy to use. This unique feature allows you to send and receive Chinese SMS messages and also lets you store Chinese names in the Phone Book. Measuring 130x50x16mm and weighing just 105 grams, the R520 offers talk time of up to 7 hours and 35 minutes and a standby time of up to 200 hours (approximately 8 days). The R520 is being shown in a sporty copper color. To view the Ericsson R520, please visit http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom/phli_pcoph.shtml Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of Mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom == Ericsson Unveils Bluetooth PC Card SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2000--At CommunicAsia in Singapore, (NASDAQ:ERICY - news) Ericsson unveiled the Bluetooth(TM) PC Card, proving its leading position in Bluetooth wireless technology. Ericsson also unveiled the T36 and the R520 mobile phones, which are the first phones to feature built-in Bluetooth communication. This means Ericsson is the first company to have a complete portfolio of voice and data products that use Bluetooth wireless technology. The Bluetooth PC Card connects to your laptop enabling a wireless connection between your mobile phone and your laptop. Transferring data such as calendar and contacts information from your mobile phone and your laptop is made easy using this innovative product. Using a mobile phone, you can receive e-mail or other information via a built-in modem and have it automatically transferred to your laptop via a Bluetooth link. The Bluetooth PC Card is designed according to PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) specifications and is classified as a Type II PC Card. It is the first of its kind shown for the market. The Bluetooth PC Card will be available on the market in late 2000. Earlier during 1999 and 2000, Ericsson has presented the Bluetooth Headset, the Bluetooth Phone Adapter and the ScreenPhone. This means Ericsson is the first company to have a complete package of voice and data products that use Bluetooth wireless technology on the market. ``The Bluetooth wireless technology has had an astonishing reception, with close to 2000 companies signing up to the Special Interest Group during only two years. Ericsson has been in the forefront all the time, driving the standard, presenting the first Bluetooth products and now presenting a full Bluetooth product portfolio,'' says Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications. ``This is just the beginning and we are looking forward to seeing creative products and solutions from the other companies.'' Ericsson also showed a technology prototype, the Bluetooth Home Base, which gives a mobile phone the capabilities of a cordless phone by automatically connecting the mobile phone to the fixed telephone line. When the phone is out of range of the Bluetooth Home Base, it re-connects to the GSM network. On the road, at home or abroad, one phone is all one would need with this product. Now that Ericsson has announced the Bluetooth Home Base and the Bluetooth PC Card, the product portfolio will consist of both voice and data products such as the following: Mobile Phone T36 and R520 - the first Bluetooth phones. Bluetooth PC Card DBP-10 - Enables wireless communication between your laptop and your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Bluetooth Headset HBH-10 - lightweight hands-free headset that wirelessly communicates with your Bluetooth phone. Bluetooth Phone Adapter DBA-10 - used on the new generation Ericsson phones without built-in Bluetooth communication capabilities. Cordless Screen Phone HS210 - communications device for the home allowing Internet browsing, sending e-mails and making phone calls. The Bluetooth wireless technology is set to revolutionize the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter companies 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, and 1900 adopter companies. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson, Sweden. Additional information about Bluetooth wireless technology is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.ericsson.com/bluetoothand also at http://www.bluetooth.com Pictures of the new Bluetooth Home Base and the new Bluetooth PC Card can be downloaded from: http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom/phli_pcoph.shtml
Last Updated: $Date: 2000/05/20 00:48:03 $