Mark Bridge writes:

Persuading mobile phone users not to hold their phone when they’re driving should be a simple task. It’s dangerous, it’s against the law and the penalties include a fine plus points on your licence.

But even then, there’s often an excuse about convenience and usability. Some people don’t like wearing headsets, some don’t like wires and some simply forget to charge the batteries.

That’s why a new hands-free Bluetooth loudspeaker from French company BeeWi caught my eye.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has formally adopted Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0, which incorporates low energy technology. This means that low-power Bluetooth devices are likely to be available by the end of 2010.

Bluetooth low energy technology enables small battery-powered Bluetooth devices – such as healthcare and sports sensors – to communicate with Bluetooth-equipped mobile phones. These devices will be able to run for years on standard coin-cell batteries; a feat that existing Bluetooth devices are incapable of achieving.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has revealed more information about its forthcoming low-energy technology - Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0 – which is expected to be available this summer. Following this, devices running Bluetooth 4.0 are likely to go on sale at the end of the year.

It says Bluetooth v4.0 combines classic Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth low energy technology and Bluetooth high speed technology. Each function can be combined or used separately depending on the device and its planned use.

Wireless controller company Zeemote has announced a partnership with Sony Ericsson that’ll see the Sony Ericsson W705 sold with a Zeemote JS1 Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller on the T-Mobile UK network.

The phone will be pre-loaded with the Fast & Furious ‘Zeemote Ready’ game, which lets gamers use the Bluetooth-enabled JS1 hand control to interact with the on-screen action.