Low Power, Long Range Bluetooth 4.0 Is Here

Soon you too could be sending or receiving unsolicited messages via Bluetooth from up to 65-metres (200-feet) or more away, as the new Bluetooth 4.0 standard has been finalised. Now we know manufacturers haven’t exactly rushed to launch Bluetooth 3.0 devices, but the new standard may interest some, with its low-energy mode and boosted range, up from 30-feet to 200-feet. Realistically, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) maintain the new standard will be of use to manufacturers of small devices, such as watches or remote controls, and to those creating network equipment. “Bluetooth v4.0 throws open the doors to a host of new markets for Bluetooth manufacturers and products such as watches, remote controls, and a variety of medical and in-home sensors,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “Many of these products run on button-cell batteries that must last for years versus hours,” he added. We’ll see how many of these products appear once the specification begins to hit market in mid-summer. We think power and range should boost the standard in its adoption in health, sports and fitness, security and home entertainment markets. Image: Bluetooth.com