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The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has unveiled the next evolution in wireless communication with Bluetooth 6.0, a new version that promises significant advancements in precision and security for tracking and locating devices. Announced on Tuesday, Bluetooth 6.0 introduces a groundbreaking feature known as Channel Sounding, which enhances the accuracy of device tracking and boosts security for digital keys.
Bluetooth, a widely used protocol for wireless communication, sees updates from the Bluetooth SIG to add new features and improve existing functionalities. The latest update, Bluetooth 6.0, marks the protocol’s first major overhaul since 2016.
Bluetooth 6.0’s standout feature, Channel Sounding, allows devices to gauge distances with centimeter-level precision. This accuracy is attained through phase-based ranging, which involves sending radio signals at multiple frequencies between devices, such as between an iPhone and an AirTag. This increased accuracy enables more precise location tracking, which can be particularly useful for enhancing the Find My networks used by companies like Apple, Google, and Tile.
In addition to improved tracking, Bluetooth 6.0 addresses security concerns associated with digital keys used to access vehicles or hotel rooms. The precision offered by Channel Sounding allows for more secure locking mechanisms by ensuring that digital keys function only when within a specific range, mitigating risks such as man-in-the-middle attacks where unauthorized parties intercept communications.
Bluetooth 6.0 also offers potential improvements for everyday device use. Developers can leverage Channel Sounding to create Bluetooth devices, like mice, keyboards, and game controllers, that automatically adjust their states based on proximity to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This could lead to a more seamless user experience by optimizing device interactions based on distance.
While it will take time for the widespread adoption of Bluetooth 6.0, the advancements it brings could significantly enhance the way users find and interact with their wireless devices, offering both increased precision and better security.