Did Microsoft Cripple Bluetooth in Windows 7?

[raj11650]

Did Microsoft Cripple Bluetooth in Windows 7?

Microsoft might be crippling Bluetooth support in an attempt to make money off a competitive product, the Wi-Fi-based media networking system known as DLNA.

Microsoft has some explaining to do.

The Windows 7 Beta allowed computers with Bluetooth to play stereo audio wirelessly to other Bluetooth devices, such as headphones and speakers. The new Windows 7 Release Candidate dumped that feature. Oddly, Microsoft added another feature that wasn't in the Beta that is similar but incompatible.

The release candidate boasts a new music feature called Play To. This new feature allows users to play music and video to wireless speakers and media extenders. Play To is otherwise known as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance.) DLNA streaming doesn't work over Bluetooth, only over Wi-Fi (or wired Ethernet), and Microsoft seems to be closely involved in its development.

According to the DLNA website, Microsoft is a "promoter member" and part of the DLNA Board of Directors. The DLNA site's "What's New" section has headlines that read "Windows ....Play To and Media Compatibility" and "Zune + DLNA + Windows 7 = ?"

All these signs seem to suggest that Microsoft has a big stake in DLNA - a passion they haven't shown for Bluetooth. Microsoft was contacted for a comment, but has yet to respond.

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[Uber Philf]

:| deary me..

Enzo

 

[DarkXeno]

How come I'm not shocked on this one?

I bet they will say we had problems with item on bluetooth devices and have decided to remove it for a more "user friendly" item.

 

[dmex]

Ive seen 18 different APIs, tools and specific configurable settings removed over the last few months including some that I require to enhance Federated Search.

What people need to understand here is that Microsoft has stated multiple times that if a feature was behind schedule or would have problems then it will be cut from the product.

I believe it was removed because it wasn't ready in time for the RC build release, No one can assume anything about any feature until Windows 7 gets Released to Manufacturing and even after that they can release it as a Optional Windows Feature like they have with XP mode.

 

[DarkXeno]

That is very true Dmex.
I guess I should also add to my other post we can look at the Service pack updates to Win2k, XP, and Vista. With each of those packs we saw them add-on items that the original OS didn't have, due to the change in technology or just getting the time to make sure the app played nice with the OS.