The latest version of Bluetooth (5) is geared up to offer a whole host of improvements that will greatly benefit the Internet of Things (IoT). It will quadruple the range, double the speed, and give an eight-fold increase in data broadcasting capacity of low energy connections. It will also provide additional functionality for connectionless services like location-relevant information and navigation.
Bluetooth 5 is expected to be released in the market towards the end of this year or in early 2017. It redefines the way devices transmit information by moving away from the app-paired-to-device model to a connectionless IoT where there is less need to download an app or connect the app to a device.
What is it?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard (using short-wavelength UHF radio waves) intended to connect fixed and mobile devices, transfer data over short distances, and primarily designed for low-power consumption. It is fittingly named after 10th-century King Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark’s tribes into a single kingdom.
It was invented by Ericsson in 1994. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) was established by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Toshiba, and Nokia in 1998. It was standardised in 1999. The SIG manages the product’s development and has since grown to some 30,000 member companies around the world.
The last major version of the standard was Bluetooth 4.0, which was rolled out in 2011. The last iterative update was 4.2 in December 2014.
What does 5 have to offer?
Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG Executive Director believes that 5 will have a transformational effect on IoT.
“Bluetooth 5 will transform the way people experience the IoT by making it something that happens simply and seamlessly around them. Increasing operation range will enable connections to IoT devices that extend far beyond the walls of a typical home, while increasing speed supports faster data transfers and software updates for devices,”
TrustedReviews summarises the following benefits:
Faster.
It offers twice the data transfer speed of the previous version, while increasing the capacity of data broadcasts by 800%. With Bluetooth 5, you can send and receive much more data quickly.
Has a longer range.
The new standard is effective over four times the range of Bluetooth 4.2, which will be particularly useful for things like portable speakers. You’ll be able to wander further away with your phone without stopping the music.
Ready for the Iot.
Its extra range and capacity will help more smart household devices talk to each other. The increase in broadcast capacity means the new standard will be able to communicate much more easily with IoT devices.
Boosts location services.
Bluetooth 5 will help facilitate additional location-based functionality. In particular, it can boost the uptake of Beacon technology, which will result in significantly improved indoors navigation in shopping centres and the like.
Stay tuned to learn more useful tips on how to get the best possible connection at home. To get the best Internet plans for your home, you can visit our Plan Guru or call 13 22 88 to speak to our 100% Australian advice specialists.