Pico Communications plans to demonstrate its new tri-mode Bluetooth/802.11b access point technology at the Bluetooth Developers Conference.

The company said the technology demonstration is the basis for a new product, the PicoBlue II, which is slated to feature a modular design that allows users to upgrade a base Bluetooth access point with an additional Wi-Fi access point.

According to Pico Communications, PicoBlue II will feature the extended range technology found in the PicoBlue Internet Access Point, as well as the ability to add a Wi-Fi access point and bridging functionality using a separate 802.11b module connected via USB. Pico Communications said in the Wi-Fi access point mode, PicoBlue II will support both Bluetooth and 802.11b client devices at ranges of 300 or more feet, providing broad access to users seeking to network their Wi-Fi-enabled notebooks and Bluetooth PDAs such as the Palm Tungsten T and the HP iPAQ 3970.

For hotspot operators, the company claims the product's Wi-Fi bridging mode will provide added Bluetooth coverage in existing Wi-Fi locations without requiring a wired connection to the network. So, hotspot operators should be able to add support for Bluetooth PDA users without modifying existing network connections, management tools or billing software. PicoBlue II is slated be available during the first quarter of next year.