Bluetooth 5 Is Here (betanews.com)

Reader BrianFagioli writes: Today, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group announces the official adoption of the previously-announced Bluetooth 5. In other words, it is officially the next major version of the technology, which will eventually be found in many consumer devices. So, will you start to see Bluetooth 5 devices and dongles with faster speeds and longer range in stores tomorrow? Nope -- sorry, folks. Consumers will have to wait until 2017. The Bluetooth SIG says devices should become available between February and June next year.In a statement, Bluetooth SIG reminded the specifications of Bluetooth 5 -- "Key feature updates include four times range, two times speed, and eight times broadcast message capacity. Longer range powers whole home and building coverage, for more robust and reliable connections."

Comments

Audio

[rodrigoandrade]

If it gives me better wireless audio, I'm all for it. Else, it's a gimmick, as I can surely count on one hand the number of times I used Bluetooth (PS3/4 accessories included).

http://lifehacker.com/does-bluetooth-audio-still-suck-1505063323

Re:Audio

[Anonymous Coward]

Bluetooth has quite adequate range for the use cases it serves. Game controllers, headphones, connecting to car entertainment/information systems, all these things work flawlessly with only a few meters of range needed. If you need more range than that, you're using the wrong technology.

Good hardware, bad software.

[Ostracus]

Unfortunately for BT the software stacks will still suck.

iPhone support

[Jason1729]

Well, now we know what the flagship feature will be for the 2021 model iPhone. Plus model only, of course.