The Bluetooth Special Interest Group’s (SIG) next release will be coming in late 2016 to early 2017, with the new version of Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth 5, to “include significantly increased range, speed and broadcast messaging capacity”.The Bluetooth SIG states that Bluetooth 5 will quadruple the range and double the speed of low energy connections, while increasing connectionless data broadcasts capacity by 800 per cent, with it to “see a move 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”.
“Extending range will deliver robust, reliable Internet of Things (IoT) connections that make full-home and building and outdoor use cases a reality,” the Bluetooth SIG states.
“Higher speeds will send data faster and optimise responsiveness. Increasing broadcast capacity will propel the next generation of ‘connectionless’ services like beacons and location-relevant information and navigation.”
Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG executive director, noted the impact Bluetooth 5 will have in transforming the way people experience IoT, “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,” he commented.
“And now with the ability to broadcast a much richer set of information, Bluetooth 5 will make beacons, location awareness, and other connectionless services an even more relevant part of an effortless and seamless IoT experience.”
