Latest news with #Bluetooth6.1
Mint
13-05-2025
- Mint
Bluetooth 6.1 to arrive with randomised address updates and power-saving upgrade: All you need to know
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially unveiled Bluetooth 6.1, the latest iteration of its wireless communication standard. This updated specification introduces key enhancements focused on user privacy and energy efficiency—features set to benefit a range of future Bluetooth-enabled devices. Among the most significant changes is a new approach to how device addresses are randomised to protect user privacy. Building upon the privacy tools introduced with Bluetooth 6.0 last year, Bluetooth 6.1 brings improvements to the Resolvable Private Address (RPA) system. Previously, the RPA—which masks a device's MAC address—was updated at a fixed 15-minute interval. While this method helped shield user identity, the predictable timing still left room for potential tracking by malicious actors. Bluetooth 6.1 addresses this issue with a dynamic timing mechanism. Instead of using fixed intervals, RPAs will now be updated at random intervals ranging between eight and fifteen minutes. This change makes it significantly more difficult for individuals to monitor or trace devices via Bluetooth signals, further enhancing personal privacy in public spaces. In addition to these privacy upgrades, the new standard promises to improve battery performance on compact and low-powered gadgets. With Bluetooth 6.1, the responsibility for managing these randomised RPA updates shifts from the main processor to the wireless controller chip. This shift allows devices such as smartwatches, fitness bands, wireless earbuds, and portable speakers to operate more efficiently, potentially extending battery life without sacrificing performance. While the benefits of Bluetooth 6.1 are clear, consumers may need to wait until 2026 before compatible devices reach the market. Development cycles and hardware integration typically take time, especially for manufacturers looking to fully implement the new capabilities. The Bluetooth SIG also revealed a change to its release cycle. Moving forward, new versions of the Bluetooth specification will be published twice a year. As a result, the next update to the protocol is expected to be announced in the latter half of 2025. For now, Bluetooth 6.1 marks a noteworthy step forward, offering enhanced privacy protections and energy-saving potential—both of which are critical as users increasingly rely on connected devices in their daily lives.
Ammon
13-05-2025
- Ammon
Bluetooth 6.1 is here: What's new and why is it important
Bluetooth 6.1 announced with a new feature called Randomised RPA for improved privacy. As we wait for Bluetooth 6-enabled devices to drop this year, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced Bluetooth 6.1 as part of the bi-annual release schedule. The Bluetooth 6, launched in September 2024, offers advanced features such as improved device tracking, distance tracking, power efficiency, and others. Whereas, the Bluetooth 6.1 version emphasises a new feature called 'Randomised RPA (Resolvable Private Address)', which is said to focus on enhanced privacy and power efficiency. This new feature restricts third-party members from tracking device activity, bringing more security to users. Know more about Bluetooth 6.1 and how RPA comes as a value addition. Bluetooth 6.1: Everything you need to know Bluetooth 6.1 was officially announced on May 6, 2025, bringing advanced privacy features to upcoming devices. One of its most important features includes Randomised RPA (resolvable private address), which is said to safeguard device privacy and restrict third-party tracking. But, how exactly does this privacy feature work? Well, every Bluetooth-enabled device comes with a unique identifier which other devices use to recognise for easy connection. However, in set intervals, these identifiers are being changed for privacy reasons. But, due to the predictable intervals, it was easy for third parties to track devices over time. Now with Randomised RPA, Bluetooth 6.1 will randomly make address changes. For instance, inteased of every 15 minutes, the address will be changed in 8 to 15 minutes. Therefore, it does not have a fixed time, making it harder for third parties to keep track of devices. Bluetooth 6.1-enabled devices Reports suggest that we can see Bluetooth 6 incorporated with Bluetooth 6.1 can be seen with the upcoming iPhone 17 series and other wearable devices. Therefore, before 2026, some of the flagship smartphones are expected to introduce the new Bluetooth version for improved security and power efficiency. It is also reported that the Bluetooth SIG could introduce Bluetooth 6.2 in the fall of 2025 as part of its second yearly announcements.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Bluetooth 6.1 is here: What's new and why is it important- Explained
Bluetooth 6.1 explained: As we wait for Bluetooth 6-enabled devices to drop this year, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced Bluetooth 6.1 as part of the bi-annual release schedule. The Bluetooth 6, launched in September 2024, offers advanced features such as improved device tracking, distance tracking, power efficiency, and others. Whereas, the Bluetooth 6.1 version emphasises a new feature called 'Randomised RPA (Resolvable Private Address)', which is said to focus on enhanced privacy and power efficiency. This new feature restricts third-party members from tracking device activity, bringing more security to users. Know more about Bluetooth 6.1 and how RPA comes as a value addition. Also read: iPhone 17 series to feature Apple's custom chips for faster WiFi, Bluetooth, and enhanced connectivity: Report Bluetooth 6.1 was officially announced on May 6, 2025, bringing advanced privacy features to upcoming devices. One of its most important features includes Randomised RPA (resolvable private address), which is said to safeguard device privacy and restrict third-party tracking. But, how exactly does this privacy feature work? Well, every Bluetooth-enabled device comes with a unique identifier which other devices use to recognise for easy connection. However, in set intervals, these identifiers are being changed for privacy reasons. But, due to the predictable intervals, it was easy for third parties to track devices over time. Now with Randomised RPA, Bluetooth 6.1 will randomly make address changes. For instance, inteased of every 15 minutes, the address will be changed in 8 to 15 minutes. Therefore, it does not have a fixed time, making it harder for third parties to keep track of devices. Also read: iPadOS 19 update: Apple to unveil redesigned Siri, menu bar and more at WWDC 2025 Alongside enhanced privacy, this new feature will also result in power efficiency, as it will reduce the load of the address-changing operation on the device's CPU. This task will now be managed by the Bluetooth controller, bringing more battery life to Bluetooth 6.1-enabled devices. Reports suggest that we can see Bluetooth 6 incorporated with Bluetooth 6.1 can be seen with the upcoming iPhone 17 series and other wearable devices. Therefore, before 2026, some of the flagship smartphones are expected to introduce the new Bluetooth version for improved security and power efficiency. It is also reported that the Bluetooth SIG could introduce Bluetooth 6.2 in the fall of 2025 as part of its second yearly announcements.
