The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) unveiled Bluetooth 6.0 in its latest release of the Bluetooth Core Specification. Announced in early September 2024, the update introduces significant enhancements to improve how devices connect and communicate wirelessly.
Bluetooth 6 introduces channel sounding for enhanced precision
One of the key new features of Bluetooth 6 is Channel Sounding, which allows devices to determine the direction and range between two Bluetooth-enabled devices. This capability is similar to Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, which measures both the angle and distance of connected devices. Channel Sounding will enhance applications like location tracking and “Find My” services, offering users more accurate device positioning.
For instance, smartphones could utilize Bluetooth 6 to act as car keys, unlocking only when the device is within a few feet. This ensures higher security by preventing unauthorized access from a distance. Over time, more item trackers and smartphones will benefit from this precision, leading to wider adoption of location-based services.
Another major improvement with Bluetooth 6 is its decision-based advertising filtering. This feature enables faster scanning and discovery of nearby devices. Devices can now locate other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets on the primary channel and use this information to streamline the search process on secondary channels. This upgrade significantly improves the efficiency of Bluetooth communication, reducing delays when pairing or discovering new devices.
Bluetooth 6 also introduces the monitoring advertisers feature, which further optimizes host devices’ performance. It minimizes unnecessary transmission of connection packets, saving power and improving reliability, especially in high-density environments like smart homes or offices.
Improved latency and reliability with ISOAL enhancements
Bluetooth 6 also brings improvements to the Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL), which handles time-sensitive data transmission. The enhancement reduces latency and improves reliability, especially for devices requiring synchronized audio, such as Bluetooth headphones and hearing aids. This will benefit users who rely on Bluetooth for streaming audio or making phone calls in real time.
The LL extended feature set in Bluetooth 6 expands the range of supported features, allowing devices to exchange more information about their capabilities. This extension ensures that the growing list of Bluetooth devices can work seamlessly with each other, enhancing compatibility across different platforms.
Another significant upgrade in Bluetooth 6 is the frame space update. Previously, connection events had fixed spacing of 150 microseconds. With Bluetooth 6, this spacing can now be variable, which improves data throughput for tasks such as downloading firmware updates or syncing fitness trackers. The increased flexibility in frame spacing enhances the overall user experience by speeding up data transfers and reducing connection interruptions.
Bluetooth 6 was officially introduced in September 2024, but consumers may have to wait before they can experience its benefits. Historically, it has taken a year or more for the technology to be integrated into consumer devices. Many experts predict that Bluetooth 6 will be featured in devices like the iPhone 17, in 2025.
2024-09-05 15:07:15