The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today officially launched the Bluetooth Experience Icon Program to guide and help consumers purchase interoperable products implementing Bluetooth wireless technology. The icons will, at a glance, tell consumers and retailers about the products' functionalities enhanced by Bluetooth technology and aid the purchase and sales process.

The new Experience Icon Program enhances visibility of the many uses of Bluetooth wireless technology. The system aids in understanding functionality, illustrating the full capabilities of the device and ensuring two devices will perform a specific application. Bluetooth technology consists of profiles that define how devices perform certain applications together. The icons help simplify the number of profiles consumers are exposed to by grouping use cases.

The Bluetooth Experience Icons leverage the familiarity and recognition of the Bluetooth figure mark. Moving forward, consumers can look to find all applicable icons printed on the package of a device. Consumers simply choose products with the Bluetooth trademark and matching Experience Icons for a completely interoperable experience. The current icons available to illustrate five functions of Bluetooth wireless technology are:

Print, Input, Headset, Transfer, Music

The Experience Icon Program shows how Bluetooth connectivity encompasses a growing number of applications including printing, inputting data, using a wireless headset, transferring files and listening to music. There are plans to release other icons later this year, such as an icon for dial-up networking (DUN) and the automotive hands-free use case, and others will be developed as the Bluetooth technology experience expands to additional popular applications.