In 1994, Ericsson created a wireless technology called Bluetooth as an alternative to cables which were used to connect phones, headsets and other devices. Most Americans are familiar with this technology since it is a feature of most mobile phones. Some even brush it aside as one of those unimportant technologies of the past. However, such an approach could prove to be a huge mistake for consumers.
Bluetooth wireless technology stands at the forefront of innovation, especially in the development of low energy wearable devices. In an age that celebrates the Internet of Things (IoT)—a movement to increase connectivity between humans and everyday objects via the Internet— consumers have many benefits to gain by understanding and taking advantage of Bluetooth.
From the King of Denmark to King of Wireless Technology
Back in the 10th century, King Harald Blåtand (Harold Bluetooth) reigned in the Scandinavian region. This King’s efforts to establish peace resulted in the unification of opposing areas within countries currently known as Sweden, Denmark and Norway. It is this King that eventually inspired the naming of a technology which would influence the world and industries at large.
Bluetooth is a wireless standard which allows devices to communicate with each other via radio frequency. Unlike devices which depend on radio waves such as radios and television, Bluetooth transmits data across a more limited distance. Devices which feature this technology can transmit data only within your Personal Area Network (PAN) of up to about 100 meters or 328 feet.
This technology is ideal for devices like PCs, keyboards, mice, tablets and headsets. Â These gadgets are able to take advantage of short range wireless communication technology since they are usually placed within close proximity of each other while in use.
Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready Devices
Since the announcement of first Bluetooth specification in 1998, Bluetooth has undergone many modifications and upgrades. Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), one of the latest updates to hit the market, enhances your ability to communicate with devices while preserving battery life. This has propelled the integration of Bluetooth technology in healthcare/ fitness, security, home automation and automotive industries.
The development of Bluetooth 4.0 resulted in a platform which could facilitate the creation of low energy Bluetooth devices. A new generation of gadgets called Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready devices emerged.
Smart Ready Devices
Bluetooth Smart Ready devices such as cell phones are the hub of connectivity within the lives of users. These devices receive data from Bluetooth Smart and classic Bluetooth devices – gadgets that use specifications that predate version 4.0/ BLE. Through applications, the Smart Ready gadgets transform the data into useful information.
Gadgets which fall under this category include the following:
- PCs
- Tablets
- Game consoles
- TVs
- Set-top boxes
- Portable media players
Bluetooth Smart Devices
Bluetooth Smart devices, like blood pressure cuffs, collect specific types of information. Since they rely on BLE technology, they can run for months or longer periods of time on tiny batteries without requiring a recharge or replacement batteries. The devices send the information they collect to Smart Ready gadgets which in turn interpret and transform data into useful information.
Gadgets which fall under this category include the following:
- Smart watches
- Heart monitors
- Key fobs
- Blood-glucose meters
- Blood pressure monitors
- Toothbrushes
- Security sensors
- USB dongles
- Breathalyzers
- Thermometers
- Posture sensors
- Sports trackers
How Bluetooth Propels the Development of Wearable Devices
Bluetooth has become a practical solution which has helped address many challenges which developers of wearable devices face. The fact that the latest versions of this technology are energy-efficient has played a crucial role in the advancement of wearable gadgets.
Technology such as BLE allows gadgets which otherwise would require dependable energy-efficient technology similar to their small size, to be more easily developed. According to ABI Research, low energy Bluetooth technology which enables Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready devices will directly propel the development of wearables. ABI Research projects that by 2017, Bluetooth will influence the shipment of about 20 billion gadgets including devices such as sports watches.
Benefits of Bluetooth
Devices that are equipped with Bluetooth technology offer major benefits to consumers despite the limitations of the short-range technology. One of the main Advantages relates to Bluetooth 4.0’s energy efficiency. Since the latest versions of this wireless technology can function on minimal energy, owners of Bluetooth Smart or Smart Ready devices will be able to access connectivity without having to worry about their battery.
The fact that the technology connects to apps also opens up a world of possibilities. Users are able to collect valuable data and transform it into useful information. Recently, I saw a device which highlighted just how Bluetooth—a technology which I once thought was quite mundane and in no way revolutionary — could impact even our most precious everyday experience. My discovery was the Pacifi, a smart pacifier that could help parents monitor the temperature of their children.
Devices like these allow us to more easily monitor those we love, maintain our health and be connected in the ever-evolving world of technology. Whether you’re interested in purchasing activity trackers, heart rate monitors or key fobs that unlock your doors, Bluetooth is a central enabling technology that in many ways can simplify your life. Though it is limited to short-range, Bluetooth offers many possibilities to those who want to have a life that is more convenient and less hectic.
Bluetooth Technology: From Smartphones to Fitness Devices
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