What’s Next For Bluetooth Technology?

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is an association of organisations that are committed to revolutionising Bluetooth technology. It is driving innovation in wireless communication, with member working groups currently engaged in over 50 different Bluetooth specification developments.

As the market leader in Bluetooth connectivity testing and intelligence, Nextgen is perfectly positioned to respond to advancements in the wireless sector, providing our customers with automated testing solutions that enable products to be confidently and reliably introduced to the market.

So, what innovations are forthcoming in Bluetooth technology?

Bluetooth LE Audio

As the next generation of Bluetooth Audio, LE Audio will redefine the way that users experience audio media and connect with the world around them. Bluetooth LE Audio uses a new codec, LC3 for streaming audio which enhance performance in quality, bandwidth and latency, and introduce new features to improve the user experience, including adding support for hearing aids. Devices will be able to support up to 48 kHz, 32-bit audio at bitrates between 16 and 425 Kbps while using less bandwidth and power than the previous Bluetooth SBC audio codec, which enables improved battery performance, ideal for small earbuds and hearing aids.

High-Accuracy Distance Measurement

Bluetooth’s positioning technologies – Beacons, Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and direction finding – are renowned for the micro-location of devices, but forthcoming High-Accuracy Distance Measurement (HADM) profile will further improve the performance of digital key solutions and locating systems. HADM will build upon existing Bluetooth technology to enable more accurate distance measurement between two devices that are Bluetooth enabled, opening up new possibilities for innovative location-based solutions.

Increased Data Throughput

As more applications require a even higher data transfer rates and efficient streaming of large media, further enhancements to Bluetooth LE PHY will deliver an increased range and data throughput which will result in improved performance and accessibility. As this will represent a significant market opportunity, work is currently being undertaken to advance this aspect of Bluetooth technology.

Automate Your Bluetooth Connectivity Technology

If you want to stay ahead of innovations in Bluetooth technology, our automated codeless testing solutions will give your business the edge. Simply book a demo to find out more.