Socket Launches Next Generation KwikBlue Modules with Bluetooth 2.0 Wireless Technology.

NEWARK, Calif. -- New KwikBlue Modules are Bluetooth 2.0+EDR Compliant, Featuring Easy Integration for Broad Usage Scenarios

Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT), the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, today announced the launch of its next generation KwikBlue(TM) Module with Bluetooth wireless technology. KwikBlue Modules, coupled with Socket's field-proven software protocol stack and value-added integration services, are ideal for companies wanting to add short-range Bluetooth wireless connectivity to their products. Socket has delivered over 125,000 KwikBlue Modules into mobile applications to-date. Design wins include PDAs, mobile printers, serial dongles, industrial automation equipment, bar code scanning and conference room whiteboard connectivity.

The latest KwikBlue Module is based on the Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) BlueCore(TM) 4-Ext chipset which implements Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) enabling data rates up to three times faster than current v1.2 devices. Bluetooth 2.0 also provides Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) for better WLAN 802.11 coexistence as well as extended SCO (eSCO) support. The BC04 supports UART, USB and serial programmable audio interfaces.

The new KwikBlue Module will first be deployed as a Class 1 Bluetooth radio with a range up to 100 meters/300 feet. It is offered in Surface Mount Device (SMD) packaging with an on-board antenna. The basic integrated package includes the SMD with a carrier-board for easy "drop-in design" to existing products. It complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Socket provides complete design-in engineering services that can customize the KwikBlue Module to meet customer specifications for functionality and space limitations. Special features include Socket's field upgradeable connectivity implementation, special purpose "Virtual Machines" or VMs (embedded customized user applications and interfaces), software configuration, power management, external antenna connections and more.

"We are excited about our next generation Bluetooth modules that incorporate CSR's BlueCore 4 single chip silicon," said Mike Gifford, founder and executive vice president of Socket Communications. "The new KwikBlue Modules offer our existing customers like Intermec, Parker Hannifin and others the enhanced features and capabilities of Bluetooth 2.0 as well as provide compatibility with Socket's field proven Bluetooth software protocol stack. We anticipate widespread customer adoption and new implementations utilizing this latest addition to the KwikBlue Module family."

Pricing and Availability

The latest KwikBlue Module will cost less than Socket's current BC02 modules and samples will be available in April 2005. A Class 2 version with a range up to 10 meters/30 feet will be offered later this year. VMs for Socket's next generation modules are scheduled to be available in September '05.

For further information about Socket's KwikBlue modules please visit: http://www.socketcom.com/embedded/bluetooth.asp.

About Bluetooth Qualification

The Bluetooth qualification is mandatory for manufacturers to use the official Bluetooth logo and trademark. The program enforces a consistent standard for implementing the Bluetooth wireless technology, and is important because successful qualification implies assured interoperability with different solutions and vendors. The qualification criteria demanded protocol conformance tests, interoperability tests, compliance declarations and documentation reviews as defined in the Bluetooth Qualification Program Reference Document (PRD), released by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group's Bluetooth Qualification Association (BQA). The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, the consortium that maintains the Bluetooth standard, has more than 2,000 members.

About Socket Communications

Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, provides a broad range of connectivity and data collection products for mobile devices using Microsoft's Windows Mobile, Windows XP, Palm, RIM and Symbian-based operating systems. These mobile devices include PDAs, smartphones, Tablet PCs and notebooks that support standard expansion mechanisms. Socket's Mobility Friendly(TM) products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly(R) power consumption in their class. Socket's Development Services team provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC(TM) interface chips, KwikBlue(TM) Modules with embedded Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, as well as other technologies implemented in Socket's wide range of products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, and KwikBlue are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license. Wi-Fi(R) is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners. (C) 2005, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.