Bluetooth technology has seen rapid advancements over the years, with each new version bringing a host of improvements and new features. Here’s a breakdown of the features introduced in Bluetooth versions 5.0 to 5.4:
Bluetooth 5.0 (Released in December of 2016)
- Speed: 2 Mbps, double the speed of Bluetooth 4.2.
- Range: Up to 800 feet (240 meters).
- Broadcast Message Capacity: 8 times the capacity of Bluetooth 4.2.
- Dual Audio: Play audio on two connected devices simultaneously.
- Improved Interference Handling: Better handling of interference with other wireless devices.
Bluetooth 5.1 (Released in January of 2019)
- Directional Location: Devices can pinpoint the direction of a nearby compatible device with precision to the nearest centimeter.
- AoA & AoD: Advanced methods for determining the direction of a Bluetooth signal.
- Quick Connection: Faster and more energy-efficient connection initiation.
- Improved Advertising: Enhanced device signaling for connection availability.
Bluetooth 5.2 (Released in December of 2020)
- EATT: Allows multiple simultaneous transmissions and reduces latency.
- LE Power Control: Dynamically adjusts transmission power between devices for optimized power consumption.
- LE Audio: Enhanced audio quality and power consumption optimization.
- LC3 Codec: Compresses transmission without compromising audio quality.
- Audio Sharing & Multi-Stream Audio: Simplified audio sharing and synchronous multi-stream audio transmission.
Bluetooth 5.3 (Released in July of 2021)
- Connection Subclassing Mode: Quick switching between high and low-performance states for energy savings.
- Enhanced Channel Classification: Improved channel classification for more stable connections.
- AdvDataInfo: Efficient handling of advertising packets for improved connection efficiency.
- Enhanced Security: Better control over encryption key lengths.
Bluetooth 5.4 (Released in February of 2023)
- Periodic Advertising with Responses: Bi-directional communication with multiple low-powered devices.
- Encrypted Advertising Data: Enhanced secure communication between devices.
- Bluetooth ESL Standard: A new feature in Bluetooth 5.4, this standard is designed for the electronic shelf label (ESL) market. It aims to replace traditional paper price tags with battery-powered e-paper displays that communicate wirelessly with a central hub, creating a dynamic pricing automation network. This standard will pave the way for more efficient in-store operations, dynamic pricing, and increased shopper satisfaction.
Each Bluetooth version offers unique features tailored to different needs. Whether you prioritize range, speed, audio quality, or the latest innovations in retail technology, there's a Bluetooth version that's right for you. As the world of technology continues to evolve, ensuring you have the right tools and components becomes even more crucial. If you're considering implementing or upgrading Bluetooth technology in your projects, don't miss out on exploring our BT Modules.