Integrated BlueTooth on Next iBooks, PowerBooks


Macrumors has published a letter from Apple to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), requesting approval (43K PDF) for two BlueTooth modules with integrated antennas on its forthcoming iBook and PowerBook models.

Dated April 28, 2002, the letter would appear unexceptional, except that Apple is only supplying external USB BlueTooth modules currently, not integrated units.

An extract from the letter states,

"The module is to be used only in Apple manufactured computers including the Apple ibook and Apple Titanium.
Two unique antennas are included in this application because of unique enclosure restrictions between the
computers."

It is notable that the letter "include[s]" the Mac portables, as the wording also suggests that Mac desktops will receive BlueTooth modules as well. While this was almost a certainty in any case, this letter appears to confirm BlueTooth's integration across the model line, as is the case with Airport.

Analysis: Although it's unclear whether Bluetooth will be an option or standard, it's likely to be bundled with high-end models, as Airport is currently. Apple is plainly working on making the Mac the # 1 platform for digital hub integration, where all of your consumer electronics devices (cell phone, digital camera, video camera) can work seamlessly with the Mac using industry-standard BlueTooth connectivity.

That raises a question: when does the iPod get BlueTooth? Not for file transfer, obviously; it has FireWire for that. But to control your Mac (or a network of them) remotely or vice versa would be cool.