Bluetooth to improve its capabilities in 2016 as it prepares for the IoT boom

Bluetooth will be much improved in 2016, with an eye toward the technology becoming more functional within the Internet of Things. Toby Nixon, Chairman of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors said, "There is significant demand from our members and the industry at large to enhance Bluetooth with the new capabilities we’re announcing today."

The enhancements include a major increase in Bluetooth's range, to four times the coverage that it has today. The speed of the technology will double, allowing for quicker data transfers without increasing the amount of energy used. And Bluetooth devices will be able to connect together in a so-called "mesh network" that can cover an entire building or home, allowing for the opening up "home and industrial automation applications."


By 2025, estimates call for the IoT market to be valued between $2 trillion and $11.1 trillion, which means that there is plenty of potential there for Bluetooth. The Bluetooth SIG will update its new Bluetooth Developer Studio, and other programs designed to get developer support will be updated to include the new functionality. With the improvements, the increased capabilities of Bluetooth will be seen in smart homes, industrial automation, location-based services and smart infrastructure.

source: Bluetooth via Engadget