Bluetooth has existed for so long that we hardly recognize its importance and how it transformed wireless connectivity. Even the most recent specification releases have flown under the radar without generating the buzz they deserve. Bluetooth 6.0 may change all that, and for good reason.
The bluetooth latest version is billed to bring vast improvements to extend connectivity range, allow devices to carry more Bluetooth features, and improve asset tracking (like Find My Device) operations.
Let’s unpack all that.
What’s New in Bluetooth 6.0?
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the organization responsible for developing Bluetooth standards, announced the Bluetooth Core Specification 6.0 in August. It introduces new features and improves existing link layer capabilities that will change how people view and use Bluetooth devices.
We’ll explain what these new features and improvements mean and break down how they work.
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Bluetooth Channel Sounding
Summary: Channel Sounding is the headline feature of Bluetooth 6.0. It significantly improves the ability to locate devices with better precision. It helps solve ranging and security challenges for asset tracking functions like Find My Device and Digital Key features. The Bluetooth SIG says the upgrade will bring “centimeter-level accuracy” over long distances (about 150 meters), which is quite a big deal.
How it works
The Channel Sounding feature uses bidirectional exchanges between two devices, leveraging the following distance measurement methods:
- Phase-Based Ranging (PBR): This method involves using the position (phase) of radio frequencies to measure the exact location of the communicating device. The observing device (initiator) will send a signal over a frequency, and the second device (reflector) will echo the signal. This transfer will be repeated once over a different frequency. The initiator will then use the phases of both frequencies to triangulate the reflector’s approximate position.
- Round-Trip Timing (RTT): RTT calculates the time it takes a signal to travel from one device to another and back again. In this case, the initiator sends a signal, the reflector responds, and then the initiator measures how long the round trip took. This time measurement allows the devices to estimate the exact distance between them.
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Decision-based advertising filtering (DBAF)
Summary: This feature ensures your device can leave out other broadcasting Bluetooth devices when you intend to connect to a specific type of device. For example, your scan page displaying available devices can leave out store beacons to prioritize the kind of connections you need, like an earbud or smartwatch.
How it works
Advertising is the fundamental mechanism that makes Bluetooth work. Whenever you turn on your device’s Bluetooth and make it “discoverable,” you’re allowing it to broadcast or “advertise” its intention to connect. The advertising signal carries what is known as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU), also known as advertisement packets. Each device’s PDU (advertisement packet) type tells the other Bluetooth device the type of connection it intends to make. PDU types generally include:
- ADV_IND: General connection requests to any nearby device.
- ADV_DIRECT_IND: Connection requests to specific devices, such as paired devices, especially for reconnection
- ADV_NONCONN_IND: Broadcasts information without intentions to connect, such as Bluetooth beacons in stores
- ADV_SCAN_IND: Doesn’t ask for connection requests but broadcasts to alert devices to scan for more information.
- ADV_EXT_IND: Introduced with Bluetooth 5.0, it allows devices to send more complex advertising data. For example, a store’s beacon can send store maps or promotional materials to nearby smartphones.
Bluetooth 6.0 introduces ADV_DECISION_IND, which effectively replaces ADV_EXT_IND and allows scanning devices to filter out advertising Bluetooth PDUs efficiently.
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Monitoring advertisers
Summary: This feature increases the “awareness” of Bluetooth-enabled devices. It constantly tracks connected devices based on their advertisement PDUs to know when previously discovered gadgets are in and out of range.
How it works
Before now, the scanning process was optimized by allowing the Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) controller to listen for known advertising signals and filter out duplicates. Despite the added efficiency, the observing devices cannot tell when monitored devices go out of range. Thus, they must perform full scans to reestablish connections to out-of-range devices. These full scans defeated the original intention of low energy consumption.
Bluetooth 6.0 solves this issue by using Host Controller Interface (HCI) events to alert observing devices when the advertising signals they monitor enter and exit their connection range. That way, hosts no longer have to scan for devices that may have gone out of range.
The feature also improves Bluetooth connectivity, as hosts can efficiently filter duplicates and reestablish connections faster when devices are in range.
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ISOAL enhancement
Summary: ISOAL (Isochronous Adaptation Layer) is a part of Bluetooth technology responsible for reducing latency and ensuring consistency in time-sensitive use cases like audio streaming and real-time gaming. Bluetooth 6.0 introduces a new ISOAL mechanism that fixes existing latency issues and boosts Bluetooth reliability.
How it works
Before the bluetooth latest version, ISOAL reduced latency by breaking down large data frames and transporting them over small Bluetooth Link Layer (LL) packets. These frames are broken down through a process called fragmentation when data is transmitted using framed PDUs and segmentation when unframed PDUs are utilized.
Fragmentation allows ISOAL to keep tabs on the timing for each frame and enables receiving devices to piece back the fragmented data correctly and in real time.
Segmentation, however, divides data into segments and transports them through small Link Layer packets. The problem here is that the full data set must reach the receiving device before it can be processed. This method causes long wait times and can result in data loss.
The new ISOAL enhancement feature introduces the Unsegmented Framed Mode, which allows data to be transferred over framed and unframed PDUs without segmentation. This new mode eliminates the risk of data loss and significantly reduces wait times.
As such, people who rely on hearing aids, audio streaming, and even gaming will enjoy more stable and seamless connections over long periods.
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LL extended feature set
Summary: Bluetooth devices can now integrate every type of Bluetooth feature they need and exchange those features with other devices, which was previously not possible.
How it works
The Link Layer feature set is a data standard that determines how many features a device can exchange with another device. Before Bluetooth Core Specification 6.0, the number of features that could be exchanged was limited. Each device has to manage features that could fit into 64 bits of data, which is not adequate for the range of features already available.
Bluetooth technology has grown such that one device can now have more features than it can exchange due to the limitations of the old 64-bit feature set header. However, the latest version now makes it possible to store exchangeable features within feature pages, with each page (there is a total of 10) carrying up to 192 bits.
New commands and functions have also been introduced to allow devices to take full advantage of the extension without breaking compatibility with the old model.
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Frame space update
Summary: Bluetooth 6.0’s frame space update removes the time interval barrier that limits data transfer speeds and prevents flexibility for devices with lower processing power. With those barriers gone, devices like fitness trackers can send large swathes of data faster, and Bluetooth speakers can maintain more seamless connections and avoid collisions with other devices.
How it works
Devices were subjected to a fixed time interval between data exchanges before Bluetooth 6.0. This protocol meant every device must adhere to a wait time of 150 μs (microseconds) before sending its next transmission packet. With the frame space update, connecting devices can now negotiate how much time they require, between 50 μs to 1000 μs, to send and receive data.
Using shorter intervals allows devices with lower processing power to send information in short, repetitive bursts to maintain stability. On the other hand, devices that require more time to transmit large amounts of data can negotiate above the standard 150 μs.
What Does It All Mean for Your Devices?
Bluetooth Core Specification 6.0 brings feature updates and introductions that extend what Bluetooth devices can do and improve stability in the following ways:
- Channel Sounding means features like Find My Device can now pinpoint devices like Bluetooth earphones, earbuds, smart watches, and even phones with better accuracy. Apple currently uses Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology to track its devices (like the AirTag), but the Channel Sounding feature could simplify things for Android devices that rely on Bluetooth.
- Decision-based advertising filtering makes the scanning and connection process cleaner and faster, as your screen space will no longer be filled with unnecessary devices.
- The monitoring advertisers feature is great in numerous cases, like smart home systems, wearable connections, and car infotainment systems. For example, your smart devices at home can now automatically sync seamlessly with your smartphone or smartwatch whenever you return home and they get back in range. It will also save battery life, as smaller devices no longer have to conduct high-duty scans for out-of-range devices.
- ISOAL enhancement significantly reduces latency and boosts reliability, so you won’t experience as many stutters, sudden disconnections, and data loss.
- The LL extended feature set means manufacturers can now add more features to Bluetooth devices, and they can be exchanged without limitations.
With the frame space update, devices can set time intervals that suit their specific activities. Drone controllers, earbuds, and IoT devices can transfer data faster and maintain more stable connections over longer distances and periods.
Which Devices Will Get Bluetooth 6.0?
Bluetooth 6.0 will likely ship with the next generation of smart devices in the design phase. Since the Bluetooth SIG just announced the new version, it will likely take months before manufacturers integrate the new technology into their products.
Every type of device, from smartphones, drone controllers, vehicle entertainment systems, home smart networks, and IoT devices, will get the latest tech in the near future.
Like other iterations of Bluetooth, version 6.0 will be backward compatible with older versions. However, a Bluetooth 6.0 device must connect with another device using the same version to enjoy the new features.
Why I Believe Bluetooth 6.0 Could Be a Big Deal
While we’re not getting a generational shift like moving from infrared to Bluetooth, version 6.0 does bring significant improvements in speed, reliability, tracking optimization, and power efficiency.
Bluetooth’s implementations and feature sets will also expand beyond its current applications. We could begin to see more multipurpose IoT devices that can be adapted to numerous use cases.
Should You Be Excited about Bluetooth 6.0?
Absolutely! Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.0 and its introductions expand the already vast possibilities of Bluetooth technology. The only letdown is that we must wait for newer devices to ship to experience these new features.
Head to the comments section to tell us what you think about Bluetooth 6.0!
