Latest news with #BluetoothSpecialInterestGroup
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.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 To See Return Of The Classic Range
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Samsung The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic series seems a dead cert for a return in 2025, following its certification by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. It's hard enough to keep gadgets-in-waiting under wraps, and the Bluetooth SIG database appears to have spoiled the surprised on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as spotted by Xpertpick. This is not the first time the watch has been teased. Last month, Samsung firmware made reference to an 'L505U' I predicted might be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. But there was at the time no mention of the product name, just its product code. Sure enough, this latest teaser links that L505U with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic title. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic from 2023 was Samsung's last model in the sub-series. It took a year off to make room for the higher-end Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2024. And 2025 could potentially setup a rhythm for releases going forwards. That would mean, a standard Galaxy Watch iteration is made each year, but the Classic and Ultra lines take it in turns to offer something a little more flashy. A rotating bezel was the number one feature that separated Classic watches from their ordinary counterparts. But Samsung actually switched to a touch-sensitive bezel for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (2021) before switching back to the physical kind in the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic two years later. Earlier references to the Galaxy Watch 8 watches suggest there will be both Wi-Fi only and LTE/4G versions of the Watch 8 Classic. Big fans of this extended family may wonder where the direct successor to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is. It was Samsung's higher-end watch for 2022, and we haven't seen a Pro-branded watch since. However, given it was positioned as a somewhat more hardcore watch, thanks to its longer battery life, it seems safe enough to assume its place was usurped by the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. What else could the Galaxy Watch 8 offer? Two key upcoming fields for wearables tracking include blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose monitoring. Samsung has offered blood pressure readings since 2021's Galaxy Watch 4 series, but these require an initial calibration with a classic inflatable cuff. It has announced plans for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring in a wearable, though. We may get neither of these this year, with the current tech climate suggesting the focus may instead be on how the software incorporated more AI features. The wait continues. Samsung's next Unpacked is rumoured to be pencilled in for July, or later in the summer.
