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LuckMan212

4 posts

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#1499 5-May-2004 05:49
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I saw a couple of other posts on here, but nothing very specific... apparently Microsoft will be including their own implementation of Bluetooth in Windows XP SP2. While this seems like a good thing on the surface-- apparently the version they are including "breaks" the WICOMM 1.4.2.10 drivers if you have them installed, making it impossible to set up new services or pair new devices.

If you uninstall the WIDCOMM software and just use the M$ ones, you get VERY limited functionality. Basically, you can send/receive SINGLE files (one at a time) and ONLY using the special Bluetooth File Transfer utility that M$ gives you. You can create virtual serial ports for things like dial-up modems and ActiveSync.

But, forget about Audio, PIM Sync, Network Access, Headset, etc etc... none of these are available in the M$ stack. Grr!!

I applaud M$ for deciding to jump on the BT bandwagon but why are they going to give us such a half-assed solution that is a serious downgrade from the current WIDCOMM offering? Not to mention, they BREAK the widcomm in the process!! Grr!!!

Anyone else tried this or have solutions? BTW: I am using a Belkin F8T003 and have Windows XP SP2 build 2120 installed.

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freitasm
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#5454 5-May-2004 07:59
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I installed the Windows XP SP2 and found that its Bluetooth interface could be easier to use for a novice than Widcomm's. Another good thing is the fact the it'll recognise certified hardware and work without any drivers. I simply plugged my TDK adapter and it worked.

SO, for new users this Bluetooth software can be quite good.

OTOH I agree with the limited functionality, and power users will feel it lacks functionality. I also found a couple of problems when pairing devices.

I've reported all my findings to the Microsoft SP2 team, including the lack of profiles. You should do the same, so they have a litte "push".




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LuckMan212

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#5465 5-May-2004 12:46
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wow. that sucked.
I got a SQL error and it looks like the server went a little crazy there.. sorry.

freitasm
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#5468 5-May-2004 13:18
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No worries... Removed the duplicate postings. I've seen this happening before, but only under very heavy load - like being on Slashdot.

If you see this again, please write down the message and forward to me, will you?





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LuckMan212

4 posts

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#5472 5-May-2004 14:40
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hehe... actually you removed both the duplicate ones and the original. Well, here is my reply, again:
-
Yes I agree for the absolute newb it is a lot simpler, but the latest WIDCOMM drivers were actually pretty good and offered a whole lot more functionality. The most glaring omission from the M$ drivers is the ability to surf the web from a laptop or pocketPC via your desktop PC's internet connection. How they figured people would not need this feature is beyond me. As for notifying M$ I have posted on the SP2 beta newsgroups but as far contacting them directly I have not been able to get the "Report a bug in SP2" function to work correctly. (Figures!) Oh well. I doubt they will be adding any functionality at this point anyway, being so close to release. Guess we'll have to wait for everyone to complain or WIDCOMM to release an SP2-compatible version of their driver set.

LuckMan212

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#5729 14-May-2004 02:29
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so does anyone know IF or when WICOMM will release an SP2 compatible version of their BT software?

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