Bluetooth is about to change from what we all know and love (or not, in some cases).

The organisation that looks after the Bluetooth standard is updating it next year to increase coverage distance by 4 times the current distances, so we should see Bluetooth speakers work up to 40 metres away (I can see a load of pranks coming the unsuspecting world’s way). They are also looking to double the bandwidth and enable mesh networking.

The mesh networking feature is an interesting concept, which will allow sharing of data (and possibly other Bluetooth profiles?) at one end of the mesh with someone at the other end where the original data connection source cannot reach. Setting up ad hoc networks in wide open areas should be possible with low-cost battery-powered devices (so long as there is a data connection available at one end).

Here’s an Interesting Experiment Idea coming on – how about listening to music from your mate’s phone from across the other side of the football stadium on your Bluetooth headphones during the halftime break?

All this without using any more power than today’s devices!

The full information from the Blutooth SIG accouncement is as here:

Show Press Release (470 More Words)

Bluetooth Technology to Gain Longer Range, Faster Speed, and Mesh Networking in 2016

Bluetooth SIG focuses 2016 technology roadmap on enhancements for IoTToday the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is previewing highlights from its 2016 technology roadmap. Planned enhancements for the technology are focused squarely on increasing its Internet of Things (IoT) functionality. Key updates include longer range, higher speeds and mesh networking. The host of Bluetooth advancements coming in 2016 will further energize fast-growing industries such as smart home, industrial automation, location-based services and smart infrastructure.

“There is significant demand from our members and the industry at large to enhance Bluetooth with the new capabilities we’re announcing today,” said Toby Nixon, chairman of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors. “Current projections put the market potential for IoT between $2 and $11.1 trillion by 2025. The technical updates planned for Bluetooth technology in 2016 will help make these expectations a reality and accelerate growth in IoT.”

Announced updates will provide a variety of benefits for the growing number of IoT applications. For example, the range of Bluetooth Smart, set to increase up to 4x, will transform smart home and infrastructure applications, and will deliver an extended, more robust connection for full-home or outdoor use cases. A 100% increase in speed, without increasing energy consumption, will enable faster data transfers in critical applications, such as medical devices, increasing responsiveness and lowering latency. And mesh networking will enable Bluetooth devices to connect together in networks that can cover an entire building or home, opening up home and industrial automation applications.

“The Bluetooth technology roadmap is a powerful expression of our mission to continue as a catalyst for industry innovation,” said Mark Powell, executive director, Bluetooth SIG. “Bluetooth has been adopted by countless developers and manufacturers as their connectivity solution of choice for the IoT. The new functionality we will soon be adding will further solidify Bluetooth as the backbone of IoT technology.”

Bluetooth SIG member tools, like the recently launched Bluetooth Developer Studio, and training programs will be updated to ensure strong developer support for these new IoT features. Additional features and profile updates contained in the 2016 roadmap will be previewed in the coming months.

About Bluetooth^® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart technology, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, creates new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly three billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 27,500 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com.

– See more at: http://www.bluetooth.com/news/pressreleases/2015/11/11/bluetooth-technology-to-gain-longer-rangefaster-speedand-mesh-networking-in-2016#sthash.RsE29wZV.dpuf

Source: Engadget