By Gene J. Koprowski

Published 10/15/2004 10:38 AM

CHICAGO, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Joseph LaSala uses a Bluetooth-enabled, Sony Ericsson T610 mobile phone on the T-Mobile network to control his Mac Powerbook -- remotely. The wireless technology transforms LaSala's phone into a remote-control clicker. "It even pauses my music if the phone rings or if I leave the room," LaSala, who works in New York City, told UPI's Wireless World. After several years of dramatic industry publicity, Bluetooth applications at last are arriving, in a big way. The technology creates short-range wireless connections between mobile phones and other electronic devices, and it promises to transform the way consumers interact with their computers, home appliances, and even their office equipment, experts told Wireless World."This technology has been hyped since 2001 and it has been a roller-coaster ride," said Rob Bernstein, features editor of Sync Magazine, a new publication launched by Ziff Davis, the computer industry publisher in New York City. "But it's finally reaching its maturity, which is exciting."By the end of the year, Bernstein said, every major mobile-phone provider, from Verizon Wireless to Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile, will have Bluetooth options for their phones.A study by IMS Research -- an IT consultancy -- demonstrates why that is so: More than 3 million Bluetooth-enabled devices are being shipped every week."There's a lot of demand for it," Bernstein said. "Next year, 2005, will be the year of Bluetooth."Research by another analyst, Derek Kerton, of the Kerton Group, located in Silicon Valley, indicates the growth in Bluetooth chipsets -- hardware for devices -- is growing dramatically each month, too. Computer chip makers, such as Philips Semiconductors, have been developing Bluetooth applications as well, a spokeswoman told Wireless World. Companies such as Nokia, Lexus, Toshiba, Apple and even BMW are in the market now, making devices that work with Bluetooth software. E-mail sciencemail@upi.com.