Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart or Version 4.0+ of the Bluetooth Core Specification) is a wireless, personal area network technology that transmits data in short distances. Bluetooth Smart is designed for low energy consumption but its communication range is the same as the previous generations of Bluetooth.

Key Features

  • Reduced power consumption – Ultra-low peak, average and idle mode power consumption enabling device run for 2 years using standard coin-cell batteries.
  • Cost effective – Standardized application development architecture that leads to low development, implementation and operational costs.
  • Multi-vendor interoperability – Industry-standard wireless protocol that allows for multi-vendor interoperability.
  • Enhanced Data Security – 128-bit AES data encryption.

Bluetooth, built to be a low-power radio is omnipresent. Almost every smartphone and tablet on Planet Earth already has an in-built Bluetooth.

Bluetooth Smart is the power- and application-friendly version of Bluetooth and is primarily built for the Internet of Things (IoT). The wirelessly connected devices empowered and enriched by Bluetooth technology go a long way to make our lives easier and convenient.

The image below will illustrate how Bluetooth Low Energy is used.
4.0 bluetooth
Leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy

  • Smart Home

Bluetooth Smart is the underlying technology that empowers and enriches the IoT space. The quest for a smart home is now possible, all thanks to Bluetooth Smart.

Bluetooth is a nearly standard feature for the smart home, TVs and gaming systems, and monitoring devices.

Homeowners can control the lights, temperature, household appliances, window and door locks and security systems in their home, armed with their Smartphone, tablet or laptop. They can even simplify daily tasks by setting up alerts about their home to be sent to their smartphone.

Some of the new products that include Bluetooth Smart are toothbrushes, light bulbs, yoga mats, baseball bats, shoe insoles and lawnmowers.

The consumer today is looking for convenience, efficiency, safety and entertainment and Bluetooth Smart is fitting the bill.

Healthcare

Bluetooth Smart enables the delivery of data using SMS technology and keeps it safe with its highly secure 128-bit AES encryption. Any BTLE-enabled medical device CAN send data in real time for immediate diagnosis or can also be stored on a smartphone, tablet or computer to be sent over a local area network (LAN), mobile network or the internet at a later time.

Bluetooth Low Energy has changed the face of Medical and Fitness industry with devices such as blood glucose monitors, pulse oximeters, heart rate monitors, asthma inhalers.

Low power devices like wireless body sensors reduce the risk of infection, clinical errors and the costs of patient monitoring. These devices allow people to monitor their health in the comfort of their own home, and to live an independent lifestyle.

Advertisement and Location Based Services

Location Based Services are likely to grow to $39.87 Billion as per a report from Markets and Markets. The hyper-local marketing got a much needed push recently with the rise of beacons and geo fencing.

Beacons and iBeacons are small Bluetooth-enabled objects transmitting information to smartphones. The retail space is among the pioneers to explore beacons and uses it extensively for in-store analytics, proximity marketing, indoor navigation and contactless payments.

The use of Beacons however is not limited to retail establishments. They are also being used extensively in medical centers, smart homes and large gatherings and conventions.

Bluetooth leverages Mesh Networking, ensuring a wide coverage using Mesh Beacons. Bluetooth Low Energy is indeed a game changer and has revolutionized the way people connect with technology.