Data Broadcasting Performance Improved 8-fold, Beacon and Location-Based Features Advance Further
New Bluetooth Version Realizes 'Connectionless' Internet of Things World

Bluetooth SIG announced today Bluetooth 5, the new version of Bluetooth scheduled for release in the latter half of this year through the first half of 2017.

The newly announced Bluetooth 5 offers significantly improved transmission distance, speed, and broadcast messaging capacity compared to previous versions. The range extension provides robust and highly reliable Internet of Things connectivity for use throughout homes, buildings, and outdoors. The speed increase enables faster data transmission and optimizes response performance.

The expanded broadcast capacity will activate next-generation 'connectionless' services such as beacons, location-based information provision, and navigation functions. This advancement in Bluetooth opens greater possibilities and enables the approximately 30,000 Bluetooth SIG member companies to build Internet of Things systems with accessibility and interoperability.

Mark Powell, Executive Director of Bluetooth SIG, stated, "Bluetooth 5 will make people's Internet of Things experience more convenient and seamless," and added, "The extension of transmission distance will enable connectivity to Internet of Things devices located beyond typical household coverage areas, and the speed increase will accelerate both data transmission speed and device software update speed. The expanded broadcast capacity will enable richer information exchange."

He further noted, "Through these performance improvements, Bluetooth 5 enables beacons, location identification functions, and other connectionless services to become important components of an easy and seamless Internet of Things experience."

Bluetooth 5, scheduled for release in the latter half of this year through the first half of 2017, improves transmission distance by 4x and low-power consumption connection speed by 2x compared to previous versions, while enhancing connectionless data broadcast capacity by 800%. All of this comes with industry-leading low-power performance. Significantly enhanced data broadcast performance will enable richer and more intelligent data transmission.

This redefines how Bluetooth devices transmit information, shifting from app and device connection methods to connectionless methods, thereby reducing the inconvenience of having to download applications or connect applications and devices.

Patrick Connolly, Principal Analyst at ABI Research, stated, "Over 371 million beacons with Bluetooth functionality are expected to ship worldwide by 2020. With its 8-fold increased broadcast messaging capacity, Bluetooth 5 will accelerate the adoption and deployment of beacons and location-based services in home automation, enterprise, and industrial markets. In scenarios where context is critical—such as comfortable wayfinding within airports, asset tracking for warehouse inventory, emergency response, and smart city infrastructure assisting the mobility of the visually impaired—Bluetooth 5 will deliver the information individuals currently need without requiring communication connection or specific application use."

Mark Powell, Executive Director, stated, "Today, 8.2 billion Bluetooth devices are in use, but through the more advanced Bluetooth 5 and future cutting-edge technology, more than one-third of all Internet of Things devices will be equipped with Bluetooth by 2020. Through Bluetooth's momentum and innovation, Bluetooth will continue to be the chosen Internet of Things solution by all developers."

The registration of the 30,000th Bluetooth member company demonstrates that an increasing number of companies are choosing Bluetooth technology and the Bluetooth Association as a tool for Internet of Things devices and services that provide customers with the best experience and help with rapid and successful product commercialization. Member company numbers have grown 11% compared to the end of 2015, and with Blossom Group joining as the 30,000th member, SIG now has 30,000 member companies, a historic record since its establishment.

Blossom's membership, a startup developing infrasound and low-frequency noise mitigation products, demonstrates that companies of all sizes and sectors are joining SIG. This reflects Bluetooth SIG's commitment to advancing technology together with member companies and creating a smarter, more enjoyable, and safer, better world.

"Blossom's adoption of Bluetooth as our wireless technology and joining SIG was a natural step for the success of our products," said Luke Sanger, Co-founder and CEO of Blossom Group. He added, "Bluetooth is a reliable wireless communication platform available anytime and anywhere, and it has a great history of consistently supporting market trends and developing breakthrough products and applications with developers and members. We have no doubt that Bluetooth, through collaboration with member companies and embracing technological advances from power efficiency to Internet of Things connectivity, will always remain ahead in the market."