A new ultra-low powered version of mobile connection technology Bluetooth could soon be embedded in devices such as heart monitors, after Nokia agreed that is Wibree technology could form the basis for the standard.

Nokia has been working on its low-power, short-range Wibree technology  since 2001, but has agreed that the Wibree Forum, the group specifying the standard, could be merged into the Bluetooth Special Interest Group.

“The development work for Wibree began when we discovered a series of interesting new use scenarios that no current local connectivity solution was addressing. Now we are happy to see Wibree become part of the open Bluetooth standard, opening new market opportunities and space to innovate for the industry,” said Jarkko Sairanen, VP of corporate strategy for Nokia.

To date, devices such as heart monitors, have unable to use Bluetooth because of the power demands. Wibree offers the prospect of a low-power alternative that can connect devices up to 30 feet apart.

The new ultra low-power standard is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

Press release