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rethinking the future

Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

table of contents 1.0

introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.0 be smart, get smarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.0 beacons to follow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4.0 the end of speculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

1.0 introduction Conversations around the future of the Internet of Things often include a level of speculation. We have an idea of a future world, where devices, systems and tools talk to each other and interact in ways we perhaps can’t quite imagine today. One in which our everyday lives would become fundamentally different, because of connection and collaboration. It’s time now to end that speculation. To put some more meat on the bones of what the IoT will be able to do in the coming decade. And, instead of pushing IoT conversations into the intangible and abstract, to start talking about what’s practical and what we confidently know can happen.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

1.0

INTRODUCTION

the future of the IoT It is expected that, by 2020, there will be upwards of 48 billion smart devices active in the world. As such, the potential for the Internet of Things to grow and connect over the next few years is phenomenal. With the launch of Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth® technology is seeking to be the primary connector between IoT devices. In doing so, it is fundamentally changing how the ‘things’ of the IoT will work together, as well as which technologies can be used within it, particularly beacons. That means connections taken into public spaces, large buildings and

Smart factories benefitting from asset tracking

workplaces, with richer data and information (such

that tell managers where devices and inventory

as location) transmitted between connected devices.

are situated. And homes that respond to the people

These connections will make the IoT and wireless

living in them with a scale of intuition that has never

connectivity a workable solution for companies

been seen before. All while using the same low-energy

in enterprise industry and automation.

foundations that Bluetooth 4.0 had set.

Part of this future of the IoT is the proliferation

This paper takes a look at Bluetooth 5 and

of beacons, as well as bigger ideas for what

what its launch means for the industries who

they can do – such as wearables and personal

will take advantage of the new functionality

technology relaying data faster.

of this specification.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

2.0 be smart, get smarter Developers have been working with Bluetooth technology for years. Harnessing each version’s capabilities to power innovation, automation and ideas-led creativity. Bluetooth 4.0 made wireless less energy intensive, so developers could create products that did more for users, without draining the batteries on their devices. Bluetooth 5 will be the extra ingredient developers need to take things further still, with more innovation and more creativity in wireless tech. While it’s not necessarily changing what Bluetooth does, it is pushing the boundaries of wireless, using four key features to make devices better connected, and get more from the IoT.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

2.0

BE SMART, GET SMARTER

four features of 5 Long-range

Interoperability

Bluetooth 5 is increasing range substantially.

Bluetooth is already in 96% of tablets and

Making whole home wireless possible.

smartphones currently shipped. With that kind of popularity, interoperability with other devices is a growing priority. Combined, these four features are beginning the

Low energy speed The speed of Bluetooth technology is doubling, from 1MBps to 2MBps, without increasing energy consumption.

wireless story that will end with ideas and ambitions around connected cities, homes and workspaces being part of every day life. Central to that story is beacons.

Greater capacity Broadcast or Bluetooth advertisement messaging capacity is going up by 800%. So richer data can be sent and received.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

3.0 beacons to follow Every new development from the Bluetooth SIG is aimed at furthering its mission to use wireless connectivity to make user experiences more enjoyable, rewarding and safe. But one of the questions everyone who works with Bluetooth should be asking is: ‘How do I make this work across a variety of devices?’ It’s a worthwhile question. Not least because recent predictions suggest that a change in market share for the various Bluetooth products shipped is on the way. Importantly, this change is not because of a decrease in smartphone popularity, or of Bluetooth usage declining on phones. It’s simply that as the market grows, there’ll be a wider range of Bluetooth products for consumers to buy.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

3.0

BEACONS TO FOLLOW

It’s predicted that the changing market will make itself felt by 2021, at which point Bluetooth accessories (such as keyboards, wearables and audio equipment) will rise to 13% of all Bluetooth products shipped. As will beacons, which are expected to ship 565 million units in 2021 (a huge increase over the 8.2 million units in 2016).

beacon background The increase in units shipped means that beacons will be the third largest market for Bluetooth developers. And, most likely, the fastest growing. Bluetooth 5 is driving that, by increasing the possibilities of what can be achieved with them. Because Bluetooth 5 has far greater range than earlier iterations, alongside greater power efficiency, device developers will be able to use beacons and include them in far more products. For example, beacons can benefit tourist boards by letting them electronically identify places of interest. A city guide app on a tourist’s smartphone can then automatically provide relevant information centred on their proximity to the beacon. Government bodies can also

TELL ME ABOUT BEACONS

use beacons in this way. They can identify a specific location, such as a hospital or a particularly busy road, and provide up-to-date information

Beacons are small devices with

on waiting times and traffic levels via an associated app or smartphone.

big potential. They are Bluetooth

And universities can adopt similar beacon applications, using them to

transmitters that can send data to

ascertain exactly where people are on campus at any given time.

any other Bluetooth devices within their range. Allowing those who

This does, however, depend on the low energy features first introduced

deploy them to push messages,

in Bluetooth 4.0. The improved speed, range and advertising capacity

or to simply communicate by

of Bluetooth 5 serve to enhance the experience even further.

sending data out.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

3.0

BEACON TO FOLLOW

beyond the permanent connection

Instead, two devices share simply because they are in range of each other (in addition to those 'traditional' paired connections). In practice, this could mean a university positioning

Bluetooth 5's development has been driven by a desire

a set of beacons around its campus, and using

to dramatically increase both range and speed. And

them to send messaging to students passing by. Or

just like Bluetooth 4.0 and its consequent iterations,

even to do something as simple as connecting with

Bluetooth 5 gives developers various options to go

passing devices to ascertain how many people are

beyond a dedicated type of connection.

on campus at any one time.

Total Bluetooth enabled device shipments: World markets, forecast: 2016 to 2021 End Product Market Segment

Shipments

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

CAGR 16-21

Cellular

(Millions)

2,338.2

2,501.8

2,646.8

2,775.9

2,894.6

3,003.5

5%

PCs/ Peripherals

(Millions)

330.1

349.4

368.9

384.1

403.2

416.8

5%

Mobile Devices

(Millions)

180.4

179.0

175.2

170.5

163.5

154.1

-3%

Networking

(Millions)

9.0

18.6

29.0

39.8

51.1

62.7

47

Connected Home

(Millions)

335.7

379.4

429.8

474.8

520.2

554.0

11%

Smart Home

(Millions)

10.3

20.8

39.5

71.3

120.2

179.1

77%

Automotive

(Millions)

64.0

74.2

86.4

92.3

99.0

103.4

10%

Wearables and Healthcare Devices

(Millions)

116.4

146.4

174.5

202.4

232.1

265.0

18%

Beacons

(Millions)

8.2

26.2

83.1

217.5

372.0

565.3

133%

"Source: ABI Research"

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

3.0

BEACON TO FOLLOW

data, range and energy Bluetooth 5 is inherently power and energy efficient. Meaning it can do more than Bluetooth 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 with either range or data speed, without any additional impact on the battery life of the devices it's built into. For developers this means far greater device development opportunities and the freedom to put more ideas into practice. If, for instance, the aim is faster software upgrades over wireless, developers can use Bluetooth 5 at 2mbps across a short range, and the end user will not see their device battery life suffer as a result. Or, if the desire is to connect the smart home with other tech in the garden and beyond, they can use

whole coverage

low power range, with the same result for the user. We’ve already seen our Bluetooth partners bust the Importantly, extended range and higher speed

10 meter range myth. With Bluetooth 5, this distance

cannot be used at the same time without

is extended even further. With four times the range,

compromising energy. What this improvement

whole building solutions are no longer a pipe dream

does is give developers more answers to the

– they’re a reality. Bluetooth 5 is now developing

question: ‘What do I want to use Bluetooth for?’

that proposition, with up to four times longer range. Meaning that whole home and building solutions are a reality. Not a pipe dream.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

3.0

BEACON TO FOLLOW

IoT at home Developers have been moving towards creating smart homes for years. With product advances ranging from smart thermostats and kettles, to intelligent smoke alarms and security systems. But they want to do more, making things better connected, across a wider distance and with greater efficiency. Now, with Bluetooth 5, a series of beacons can be placed in a home, joining traditionally paired devices, to activate the lights, heating and even the stereo when the owner arrives at the front

and at work

door. All controlled through the smartphones, tablets and computers people own today.

Similarly, those in charge of factories or retail outlets can use beacon technology, alongside new range capabilities, to create heat maps of people and associated assets to better understand how their property operates. Through this they can ensure that the right people are in the right places at the right times, with the right tools to carry out their work. These are the kinds of ideas, technologies and capabilities that will create the future of the IoT. Using devices and connections to literally change how people work and play. And, while the SIG recognizes that Bluetooth will not be alone in our connected future, by taking a proactive leading role, it’s enabling manufacturers to develop devices that find, talk to and work with each other reliably and efficiently.

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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rethinking the future / Bluetooth 5, beacon technology and the Internet of Things

4.0 the end of speculation By continually giving developers new innovation possibilities, Bluetooth is ensuring that wireless plays a vital role in today’s devices and solutions. Then by ensuring that its specification grows with the times, it’s providing the connective glue for an exciting future. One in which connected devices will move further into the home, the workplace and even public spaces. Where data will be used to communicate, as well as to organize and learn in new and different ways. And wireless connections will do more work, with lower energy usage. While some of these ideas will only be fully realized in five or ten years from now, the work to accomplish them starts today. Bluetooth 5 is an exciting new version of the world’s most popular wireless connection solution, and its launch helps define the role of Bluetooth technology in shaping the Internet of Things over the next decade.

Find out more

about beacons and development with Bluetooth 5

Copyright 2017. Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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