The next-gen Bluetooth standard version dubbed Bluetooth 5 is on its way with some significant improvements. Bluetooth Special Interest Group executive director Mark Powell has now revealed that the new version will be formally announced on 16 June, and also spoke about some features.
It will be a significant upgrade over the current version with double the range and four times the speed. Bluetooth 5 will also bring in new functionality for connectionless services such as location-relevant information and navigation. “By adding significantly more capacity to advertising transmissions, Bluetooth 5 will further propel the adoption and deployment of beacons and location-based services to users around the world,” he writes.
Talking about the name Bluetooth 5, he said it will simplify marketing and advertising. “Veterans of the SIG will note that with this name we have dropped reference to both the version and point number in our marketing messaging. Our new naming approach is focused on simplifying our marketing, communicating user benefits more effectively and making it easier to signal significant technology updates to the market,” he further writes.
The event will he held in London this coming week.
Apple Watch OS 3 release date, news and rumors Slick, customizable and iPhone-free‘s 5 things you need to know about the new technology.
The IoT buzz isn’t going away and nor is Bluetooth – version 5 of the standard will include various under-the-hood tweaks and optimisations to provide better performance and draw less power when installed in smart home kit dotted around the home.
We’ll have to wait until the launch event to get the full rundown on what Bluetooth 5 can do, but some details of the new wireless transmission standard have already leaked out.
Bluetooth 5 is going to add extra navigational features so the technology can be more easily used in indoor beacons and similar location-aware devices – basically enabling you to use Bluetooth technology to find your way around a shopping centre, for example.
Here's 5 things you need to know about the new technology.
1. It's going to be faster
No surprises here, Bluetooth 5 will be twice as fast as Bluetooth 4.2 LE, say its developers - that means a maximum throughput of 2Mbps by our quick maths. You're not likely to get up to those speeds out in the real world but it should still be a significant speed jump.
2. It's going to work from further away
The other major improvement is a quadrupling of the range from earlier versions, so theoretically you could be 1000+ feet (300+ metres) or so away from your Bluetooth speaker and still beam a song to it. The exact distance limits depend on the hardware you're using.
3. It will be more 'location aware'
Bluetooth 5 is going to add extra navigational features so the technology can be more easily used in indoor beacons and similar location-aware devices - basically enabling you to use Bluetooth technology to find your way around a shopping centre, for example.
4. It's ready for the Internet of Things
The IoT buzz isn't going away and nor is Bluetooth - version 5 of the standard will include various under-the-hood tweaks and optimisations to provide better performance and draw less power when installed in smart home kit dotted around the home.
5. You might need new devices
Unlike some Bluetooth upgrades, this one might require new chips (although old kit will work with Bluetooth 5, you won't get the extra performance and features). Get ready for theflagship phones of 2017 to all come with Bluetooth 5 installed inside.
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