Think You’ve Got the Best Bluetooth Device? Tell Us

Bluetooth SIG Best of CES 2012 Awards Now Open for Submissions – Calls on Companies and Consumers to Submit

KIRKLAND, WA – The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today opened nominations for its 7th Annual Best of CES Awards. The program will feature the most innovative Bluetooth enabled devices of 2011, with one overall winner announced at the Bluetooth SIG member party at Tao in the Venetian hotel the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 11, during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Ten finalists will be announced on Monday, Dec. 12, and showcased at the Pepcom Digital Experience Showcase at CES the evening of Jan. 9.

Consumers can also get in on the game by nominating their favorite Bluetooth devices of 2011 via Twitter @BluetoothSIG or Facebook at Facebook.com/Bluetooth.

The SIG’s Best of CES Awards program is designed to highlight and recognize the year’s most exciting Bluetooth enabled devices in three categories – Now, New and Next. These categories focus on products available on the market now, products that are new to market or exhibit a new way to use Bluetooth technology, and prototype products that will be coming soon. The program is open to all Bluetooth SIG member companies.

“Bluetooth technology has now moved into new markets like health and wellness, sports and fitness and the smart home, bringing the technology’s simple, secure functionality to a breadth of new applications and devices,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “The Best of CES Awards program gives us the opportunity to showcase the very best Bluetooth enabled products and applications in these new markets, as well as the markets where Bluetooth technology has a stronghold, like smartphones, automobiles, peripherals and PCs.”

Each product entered must meet the following criteria:

• Uses Bluetooth technology
• Qualified under Bluetooth qualification PRD 2.0 or later
• Introduction/launch date after July 1, 2011

Products will be judged based on interoperability testing, containing expected profiles, ease of use and look and feel of the device. Bonus points will be awarded to products utilizing the Bluetooth v4.0 specification.

Product nominations must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 2, and review units must be shipped to 202 South Lowell Lane, 78733 in Austin, TX no later than Monday, Dec. 5. The online nomination form can be accessed here or through Bluetooth.org. Questions about the program can be directed to Lindsay Peattie, Bluetooth SIG global events and brand manager, at events@bluetooth.com.

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple connectivity for a broad range of electronic devices. Version 4.0 featuring Bluetooth low energy technology creates new application opportunities for products within the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & wellness, sports & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly 2 billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth technology is the only proven wireless solution for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers more than 14,500 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com. Bluetooth wireless technology: Simple. Secure. Everywhere.