Five world leaders in telecommunications and electronics joined forces on Wednesday to introduce a new technology to allow seamless communications between mobile phones and computers.

Sweden's Ericsson, Japan's Toshiba Corp, Finland's Nokia and US Intel Corp and IBM revealed a new "open" standard dubbed "Bluetooth" which they hope will change the way the world works and thinks about communications on the move.

Analysts said the news was a leap ahead for convergence between the communications and computer industries. It uses short-range radio signals to connect devices eliminating cables and problems with compatibility.

For example, Bluetooth will allow the user to receive email via their mobile phone, even while their portable computer is in its carrying case. When the PC receives an email message, an alert will sound on the mobile phone.

It is then possible to browse incoming emails immediately, reading the contents on the display of the mobile phone.

The first Bluetooth devices, both telephones and terminals, are expected on the market next year. Nokia which joined with its arch rival Ericsson to launch the new technology in London said it opened the way to new types of device integrating telephones and data.