Types & Latest Versions of Bluetooth

Hello Learners, Today we will know What are the Versions of Bluetooth?

In this post, I will explain the different Bluetooth versions list.

This Article is the Best on the whole internet.

If you read this article carefully you will understand all about the different types & versions of Bluetooth.

I Guaranteed you, after reading this article you will not need to read any other Articles. In fact, our readers are satisfied with this blog post.

Note - The only purpose of this article is to tell you about Bluetooth types and the latest Bluetooth version in very simple language. This article has been written by an expert. If you think this article can be improved further then you must give us feedback.

Different Types of Bluetooth

Types of Bluetooth

There are two main types of Bluetooth technology. Which are given below.

1. Bluetooth Classic - Bluetooth Classic is the original Bluetooth standard technology. It is designed for high-bandwidth Bluetooth applications.

Such as - Streaming high-quality audio and video. Bluetooth Classic has a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters) maximum.

2. Bluetooth Low Energy - Bluetooth Low Energy is an upgraded Bluetooth standard technology. This Bluetooth technology is designed for low-bandwidth Bluetooth applications.

Such as - Fitness trackers and smart home devices. This Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has a range of up to 300 feet or 100 meters maximum.

What are the Versions of Bluetooth?

In simple language, a version would mean updating technology and adding many more features to it. New features are added that technology is called an updated version. I hope you understand the versions.

Bluetooth

There are several types of Bluetooth technology that are defined by their version numbers, capabilities, and features. Here are the various versions of Bluetooth technology. Which are given below.

Bluetooth Version 1.0

Bluetooth 1.0 was the first version of the Bluetooth wireless technology communication standard. This version was released from 1999 to 2001 by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

This version had a maximum data transfer rate of 1 Mbps and a maximum range of this Bluetooth up to 10 meters.

This Bluetooth version 1.0 was designed to enable wireless communication between different devices. Such as - Mobile phones, laptops, and other portable devices, which connect without the need for cables.

It used a frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technique to reduce interference and improve security.

One of the main disadvantages of this Bluetooth version 1.0 was its slow data transfer rates and not very reliable. Which made it unsuitable for transmitting large files or streaming audio and video.

This Bluetooth version had limited range and required line-of-sight communication between devices.

Despite its limitations, this Bluetooth version 1.0 paved the way for the development of subsequent versions of the Bluetooth standard.

This version of Bluetooth has continued to improve in terms of data transfer rate, range, features, etc.

Today Bluetooth technology is widely used in a variety of devices. Such as - Smartphones, headphones, speakers, fitness trackers, smart home devices, etc.

Bluetooth Version 1.1

Bluetooth version 1.1 is an updated version of the original version of the Bluetooth technology 1.0 standard. The first Bluetooth version was released in 2001.

This Bluetooth version 1.1 has included several improvements over the previous version. Such as - Better security, faster connection time, and improved device pairing.

One of the main improvements in this Bluetooth version 1.1 is the addition of a secure simple pairing feature. Which provides greater security for pairing between the devices.

This feature helps prevent unauthorized access to the devices and protects against eavesdropping and other security threats.

The main advantages of this version of Bluetooth 1.1 are support for more advanced audio quality and hands-free communication profiles, enabling better performance for devices like Bluetooth headsets and hands-free car kits.

This Bluetooth version introduced support for Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH), which helps to reduce interference and improve performance in crowded wireless environments.

Overall this version of Bluetooth 1.1 is helped to improve the reliability and security of Bluetooth connections. This feature makes it more practical for a wider range of applications and devices.

However, there are some disadvantages of this Bluetooth version is limited range, compatibility issues, Power consumption etc.

Bluetooth Version 1.2

Bluetooth version 1.2 is an updated Bluetooth version of 1.1 wireless communication standard. This Bluetooth technology was released in 2003.

This version has included several improvements over previous versions. Such as - Faster connection time, improved voice quality, and better handling of interference.

One of the main improvements in this Bluetooth version 1.2 is Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). ERD increases the maximum data transfer rate to 3 Mbps and provides a faster transfer speed of files and data between Bluetooth devices.

This feature improved better streaming of audio and video content and made Bluetooth more practical for multimedia applications.

This Bluetooth version 1.2 also introduced Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH). AFH helps to reduce interference from other wireless devices and because of this results in more stable and reliable connections.

Additionally, this feature improved voice quality and compatibility with wireless headsets, allowing for clearer communication and better hands-free operation.

Overall, Bluetooth 1.2 helped to improve the performance and reliability of Bluetooth device connections.

Bluetooth Version 2.0

Bluetooth 2.0 is an updated Bluetooth version 1.2 wireless communication standard. This version was released in 2004. 

This Bluetooth version has included several improvements over the previous versions. Such as - Faster data transfer speeds, better power management, and easier Bluetooth device pairing.

One of the main improvements in this Bluetooth version is Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). 

EDR feature increases the maximum data transfer rate to 3 Mbps and provides faster transfer of files and data between Bluetooth devices. 

This improvement makes Bluetooth more practical for transferring large files and streaming audio and video content.

This Bluetooth version 2.0 also includes Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) feature. AFH reduces interference from other wireless devices and because of this results in more stable and reliable connections.

This Bluetooth version has many advantages such as.

  • Improved power management - This power management helps to extend battery life in mobile devices that use Bluetooth.
  • Easier device pairing - This feature helps to simplify the process of connecting Bluetooth devices to each other. This feature makes it easier for users to connect their Bluetooth devices without any technical expertise.

Bluetooth version 2.1

Bluetooth version 2.1 is an updated version of the previous Bluetooth versions. This Bluetooth version was released in 2007.

This Bluetooth version has several improvements over earlier versions. Such as - Security, faster connection times, and easier device pairing.

One of the main improvements in the Bluetooth version is Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) and extended inquiry response (EIR).

SSP feature provides stronger security for pairing Bluetooth devices. This SSP feature makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to access a Bluetooth device without permission.

The EIR feature allows Bluetooth devices to exchange more detailed information about each other during the discovery process.

The EIR feature helps to improve the speed and accuracy of Bluetooth device pairing. This makes it easier to the connect Bluetooth devices to each other.

Bluetooth Version 3.0

Bluetooth version 3.0 is an updated version of the previous Bluetooth versions. This Bluetooth was released in 2009. This Bluetooth version has several significant improvements over the earlier versions of Bluetooth.

Such as - Faster data transfer speeds and improved power efficiency.

One of the main feature improvements in Bluetooth version 3.0 is the high-speed Bluetooth(SH) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

The high-speed Bluetooth feature allows for data transfer rates of up to 24 Mbps maximum.

This improvement makes it possible to transfer large files more quickly and stream high-quality audio and video content over a Bluetooth connection.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) feature allows the devices to communicate over Bluetooth with very low power consumption.

These improvements are more useful for devices that rely on battery power. Such as - Fitness trackers and other wearable devices and etc.

Bluetooth Version 4.0

Bluetooth version 4.0 is an updated version of all previous Bluetooth versions. This Bluetooth version was released in 2010.

This Bluetooth version has several significant improvements over earlier versions of Bluetooth. Such as - lower power consumption and improved range.

The main feature added in this Bluetooth version 4.0 is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and also a second name known as Bluetooth Smart. As you already know BLE helps devices to communicate over Bluetooth with very low power consumption.

The second important feature added to this Bluetooth version is an increased range of Bluetooth. It means Bluetooth 4.0 range extends up to 200 feet maximum.

This feature makes it possible to use Bluetooth for a wider range of Bluetooth applications. Such as - Home automation, healthcare, and other applications that require communication over longer distances.

Bluetooth Version 4.1

This Bluetooth version 4.1 is an updated version of all previous versions of Bluetooth Technology. This Bluetooth version was released in 2013.

This Bluetooth version has several improvements over earlier versions of Bluetooth. Such as - Better performance, improved power efficiency, and enhanced security features.

This Bluetooth version's device better manages interference from other wireless signals. Such as - Wi-Fi, LTE, and other Bluetooth devices.

This means that Bluetooth version 4.1 devices can maintain a more stable connection and avoid data transfer delays or interruptions caused by interference.

This Bluetooth version supports bulk data transfer with high speed.

These Bluetooth versions are capable to transfer large amounts of data more efficiently and make it easier to transfer files or stream high-quality audio or video content over Bluetooth technology.

Bluetooth Version 4.2

This Bluetooth version 4.2 is a wireless technology standard. This version was released in 2013. It is an incremental update to Bluetooth versions 4.0 and 4.1. There are various improvements in this version. 

  • Increased Data Rate - Bluetooth version 4.2 has a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps maximum. This Bluetooth version 4.0 is capable to stream high-quality audio and video content over Bluetooth.
  • Extended Range - This Bluetooth version 4.2 has a range of up to 40 meters maximum. This Bluetooth version has a wider range compared to Bluetooth version 4.0. This makes it possible to use Bluetooth devices in larger spaces. Such as - Warehouses and conference rooms.
  • Improved Battery Life - This Bluetooth version 4.2 uses less power than previous versions of Bluetooth. This means that battery life can be extended on Bluetooth devices.

Bluetooth Version 5

This Bluetooth version 5 is the latest version of the Bluetooth wireless communication standard. This Bluetooth version was released in 2016 and there are various improvements over previous versions.

Some features are added in Bluetooth version 5. Which features names are given below.

  • Increased Range.
  • Backward Compatible.
  • Improved Broadcasting.
  • Higher Data Transfer Rates.
  • Lower Power Consumption.

Bluetooth Version 5.1

Bluetooth version 5.1 is the latest version of the Bluetooth wireless communication standard technology. This Bluetooth version was released in 2019 and there are various improvements over Bluetooth version 5.

This Bluetooth version 5.1 added a new feature called Angle of Arrival (AoA) to determine the direction of a Bluetooth device signal.

This improvement can be used to improve the accuracy of indoor positioning systems. For example - Those are used in navigation apps.

This Bluetooth version 5.1 also added another new feature called the Channel Selection Algorithm to improve the reliability of connections in crowded environments. Such as - stadiums and concert halls.

This Bluetooth version has Improved battery life.

Bluetooth Version 5.2

Bluetooth version 5.2 is an upgraded version of the Bluetooth wireless communication technology.

This Bluetooth version was announced by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in January 2020 and there are various improvements compared to Bluetooth version 5.1.

Some features are added in Bluetooth version 5.2. Which features names are given below.

  • LE Audio.
  • LE Power Control.
  • Isochronous Channels.
  • Advertising Extensions.
  • LE Secure Connections.
  • Improved Connection Setup.
  • Enhanced Attribute Protocol (ATT).

Bluetooth Version 5.3

Bluetooth version 5.3 is an upgraded version of the Bluetooth wireless communication technology. 

This Bluetooth version was announced by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) on 13 July 2021 and there are various improvements compared to Bluetooth version 5.2. 

Some features are added in Bluetooth version 5.3. Which features names are given below.

  • Connection Subrating.
  • Periodic Advertisement Interval.
  • Channel Classification Enhancement.
  • Encryption Key Size Control Enhancements.

Bluetooth Version 5.4

Bluetooth version 5.4 is an upgraded version of the Bluetooth wireless communication technology.

This Bluetooth version was announced by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) on 7 February 2023 and there are various improvements compared to Bluetooth version 5.3. 

Some features are added in Bluetooth version 5.4. Which features names are given below.

  • Encrypted Advertising Data.
  • Advertising Coding Selection.
  • LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic.
  • Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAWR).

What are the latest version of Bluetooth?

Now at this time Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest Bluetooth version technology. I explained Bluetooth 5.4 technology in this post.

FAQ

Is Bluetooth 5.4 available?

Yes, Bluetooth version 5.4 is available since 7 February 2023.

Is Bluetooth 5.3 released?

Yes, Bluetooth version 5.3 is released in 13 July 2021.

Hi, I'm The Avinash Pandey, founder of Quick Learn Computer. I graduated in Bachelor of Computer Applications and has two years of teaching experience in the computer science field. This blog helps you learn the fastest and easiest way to increase your computer skills.

Leave a Comment