The Bluetooth standard is getting an impressive update next year, set to achieve two times faster speeds and four times longer ranges.
Bluetooth connections allow for convenient transfers between devices, but the current standard is starting to struggle to keep up. The number of connected gadgets is rapidly increasing, which means that the Bluetooth standard has a heavier weight to support.
The Internet of Things plays an important role in this scenario, as its rapid growth will add even more connected devices. To keep up with the new trends and demands, the Bluetooth standard will receive a major upgrade in 2016.
The Bluetooth SIG will oversee the implementation of superior Bluetooth features to ensure the new Bluetooth standard receives the speed and range boosts set for next year. Apple, Microsoft, Lenovo and Intel are among notable Bluetooth SIG backers.
In a press release on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors Chairman Toby Nixon highlighted that members and the industry are putting pressure on the Bluetooth SIG to enhance the capabilities of the Bluetooth standard. Nixon further explained that the IoT market potential based on current projections is between $2 and a whopping $11.1 trillion by 2015.
"The technical updates planned for Bluetooth technology in 2016 will help make these expectations a reality and accelerate growth in IoT," noted Nixon.
The increasing number of IoT apps will get a number of benefits from the upcoming updates. The Bluetooth Smart range will be up to four times longer, allowing for better infrastructure and smart home applications, as well as an extended connection for outdoor use. The two-times-faster speed, meanwhile, will allow for faster data transfers in essential applications such as medical devices, without consuming more energy. Lastly, Bluetooth devices will be able to leverage mesh networking to pull their connections in a network that is capable of covering an entire building. In turn, this would pave the way to home and industrial automation applications.
"The Bluetooth technology roadmap is a powerful expression of our mission to continue as a catalyst for industry innovation," added Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG executive director.
The executive points out that a large number of manufacturers and developers chose Bluetooth as the preferred connectivity solution for IoT. With the improved functionality, Powell notes, Bluetooth will further strengthen its position as the "backbone of IoT technology."
