The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has unveiled Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.0, which brings a range of new features and improvements designed to enhance Bluetooth technology.
Key Features and Enhancements of Bluetooth 6.0 -
Bluetooth Channel Sounding -
This feature provides precise distance measurements between Bluetooth devices, benefiting applications such as:
- Find My Solutions - Improves accuracy and speed when locating lost items with better distance detection.
- Digital Key Solutions - Enhances security by ensuring access is granted only when an authorized device is within a specific range.
Decision-Based Advertising Filtering -
This improves the efficiency of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Extended Advertising by enabling devices to filter and scan more effectively for relevant data packets. It reduces unnecessary scanning, optimizing throughput and reliability in connectionless data transfers.
Monitoring Advertisers -
This new feature allows Bluetooth LE controllers to more accurately track device presence. Host Controller Interface (HCI) events notify the host when a device enters or leaves range, preventing wasted energy during scanning.
ISOAL Enhancement -
The Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) introduces a new framing mode that reduces latency and improves data reliability, particularly in low-latency audio applications.
LL Extended Feature Set -
The updated LL extended feature set enables devices to share information about supported link-layer features, accommodating the growing complexity of Bluetooth LE devices.
Frame Space Update -
Bluetooth 6.0 allows for negotiable frame spacing in connections and connected isochronous streams (CIS), offering greater flexibility in data transmission rates compared to the fixed 150 µs spacing in previous versions.
Benefits of Bluetooth 6.0 -
Accuracy - The Bluetooth Channel Sounding feature delivers centimeter-level distance measurements, improving application performance and user experience.
Security - Multi-layer security is enhanced to provide stronger protection against advanced attacks.
Ubiquity - With Bluetooth's broad adoption in consumer devices, this update allows developers to integrate distance awareness without requiring additional hardware.
Although Bluetooth 6.0 does not focus on higher data rates or lossless audio enhancements, it paves the way for future advancements in these areas. The release is expected to inspire new products and applications as compatible devices emerge.
Commenting on the launch, Neville Meijers, CEO of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, stated:
"Bluetooth technology plays a vital role in our daily lives. The introduction of true distance awareness opens up new possibilities for connected devices. This advancement highlights the Bluetooth SIG community's continued commitment to enhancing how we interact with our devices, each other, and the world around us."
