Dec 7th, 2016 – The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) on Wednesday formally adopted Bluetooth 5; making it the latest version of the Bluetooth core specification.
Key improvements on Bluetooth 5
According to the Bluetooth SIG, the Bluetooth 5 comes with the following improvements over its predecessor, the Bluetooth 4:
Longer coverage range (4x range)
Faster data transfer speed (2x speed)
Larger broadcast message capacity (8x broadcast message)
Improved interoperability
Coexistence with other wireless technologies with minimal interference
The new Bluetooth is also said to improve Internet of Things (IoT) experience. It enables a simpler and seamless integration of devices wirelessly. It allows interconnected devices to respond faster and efficient in high-performance devices.
“Bluetooth is revolutionizing how people experience the IoT. Bluetooth 5 continues to drive this revolution by delivering reliable IoT connections and mobilizing the adoption of beacons, which in turn will decrease connection barriers and enable a seamless IoT experience” – said, Mark Powell, the Executive Director of Bluetooth SIG.
Bluetooth SIG driven with the belief Bluetooth is at the core of international wireless standards for simpler, secure, and connectivity. With Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth connection will cover whole-home and building coverage application as well as newer applications outdoor, industrial, and commercial.
The new Bluetooth version will further reduces wireless network interference and ensures that Bluetooth devices can coexist peacefully in this increasingly complex global IoT environment. A landmark achievement according to ABI Research forecasting IoT devices to hit 48 billion by 2021, one-third of which will be connected via Bluetooth.
“The global wireless connectivity market is growing rapidly, with an anticipated to 10 billion annual IC shipments by 2021. The introduction of Bluetooth 5 will create new opportunities in various verticals of the IoT market by reducing complexity and cost and giving manufacturers greater flexibility in targeting multiple applications and use cases,” said ABI Researcher, Andrew Zignani.
For more information on Bluetooth 5, click here.
