Bluetooth gets faster: High-speed specification for up to 7.5 Mbit/s
The industry association behind Bluetooth wireless technology has announced the introduction of Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT). With the new specification, the transmission rates should be increased in several stages to up to 7.5 megabits per second.
Bluetooth connections can transfer more data
With Bluetooth HDT, a new specification for Bluetooth connections has been introduced, which allows devices with Bluetooth Low Energy to communicate with each other more efficiently and with larger amounts of data. The maximum data rate increases to up to 7.5 Mbit/s, almost quadrupling compared to the maximum two Mbit/s previously possible via Bluetooth LE. Because more data can be transferred in less time, Bluetooth connections should become more efficient while investing in the stability of the connections. In addition, applications can be implemented via Bluetooth that were previously not possible due to limited bandwidth.
Introduction from 2027
The introduction of Bluetooth HDT is scheduled to take place from 2027, with the aim of initially implementing standardized audio transmissions with premium quality. Spatial audio, multi-channel surround sound and lossless audio should be made easier and according to a central standard, according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in a press release. For the time being, however, Bluetooth HDT remains an optional feature of the corresponding radio chips, so it is unlikely to be found in all new Bluetooth-enabled products. The Bluetooth SIG is planning several variants of HDT that will enable bandwidths of two, three, four, six or even 7.5 Mbit/s.
The two fastest variants will initially remain optional, while the other variants with a maximum of four Mbit/s will be required for HDT certification. As one of the possible areas of application for the new HDT standard, Øyvind Strøm, EVP Short-range Business at Nordic Semiconductors, mentioned the possibility of using Bluetooth HDT to transfer the data recorded by a smartwatch on hours of physical activity to a smartphone much more quickly for analysis. HDT is one of the optional features of the recently approved Bluetooth Core 7.0 specifications.
Priti Rajpoot is a technology journalist and contributor at ResearchSnipers, covering the latest in tech news, innovation, and digital trends across the world. From startups and AI to cybersecurity and consumer gadgets. She can be reached here: priti.r@researchsnipers.com
