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The vast majority of Bluetooth devices are still toting Bluetooth 2.1 or earlier instead of the more recent Bluetooth 3.0 technology. But the folks behind the short distance wireless data standard have announced the Bluetooth 4.0 standard is ready to go.

The update will bring support for a low energy mode for devices like remote controls and watches that don’t need as much power as a laptop computer or smartphone. Bluetooth 4.0 will also support transmitting data over longer distances of up to 200 feet.

We probably won’t see phones and PCs with Bluetooth 4.0 until late 2010 or early 2011 at the very earliest, although it could take even longer for the technology to become widespread.