Most new portables ship during 2006 will start offer Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). The Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, while still backwards-compatible with Bluetooth 1.x, is up to three times faster than its predecessors, offering a maximum data rate of 3Mbps. As the first company to certify a system supporting Bluetooth 2.0+EDR specification with the Bluetooth Qualification Board, computer manufacturer like Apple continues to popularize Bluetooth technology.

The motivation behind Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR was to improve existing usage scenarios which require increased data throughput, like streaming CD-quality audio, digital image transfer and laser printing. The main features of Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.0 + EDR are: 3 times faster transmission speed (up to 10 times in certain cases); Lower power consumption through reduced duty cycle; Simplification of multi-link scenarios due to more available bandwidth; Backwards compatible to earlier versions; and further improved BER (Bit Error Rate) performance.

Bluetooth Industry Support comes from Broadcom, CSR, and RF Micro Devices. They have all tested 2.0 + EDR prototypes. Chips with the new specification are available immediately from Broadcom and CSR, and in Q1 2005 from RF Micro Devices.