Until recently, manufacturers of devices requiring long life from a small battery have been largely left out of the wireless revolution. Zigbee, backed by a consortium, has been a rare exception. Even those manufacturers, though, have lacked access to a global wireless standard. Furthermore, small wireless devices require either a dedicated display unit or the ability to plug in to a computing platform. However, Bluetooth wireless technology might be the perfect answer to this dilemma. With the brand recognition that comes with having over half of all mobile phones worldwide Bluetooth-ready, this is clearly 'the solution of choice for connecting consumer electronic devices.' Bluetooth 'has established the standard for usability, ease of setup and compatibility.' In particular, Bluetooth radio possesses an interesting combination of high-speed transfers and low power consumption. Since no one radio system can combine optimal data transfer and optimal battery life, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has set its sights on combining several wireless technologies under one Bluetooth umbrella. For example, last June the Bluetooth SIG announced plans to incorporate Nokia's Wibree technology, whose power consumption is a fraction of Bluetooth's, into its work. Thus, ultra-low-power and widespread compatibility would appear to be on the consumer electronics horizon. This may increase the trend toward making the mobile phone 'the computing hub of the future.' Location-based services could enable on-site downloading of travel and product information, as well as an all-purpose remote control for home appliances and climate control.