But FHSS lives on in today's mobile phones: it is the basis of Bluetooth, a short-range wireless protocol that is used to connect handsets to other nearby devices.

ECONOMIST: Player-piano pioneer

The ZigBee wireless protocol was designed as a cheaper and lower-power alternative to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for embedding in lighting switches, thermostats, smoke detectors and other sensors.

ECONOMIST: The much-talked-of smart grid prepares to enter the home