If you rely on Bluetooth devices daily, you’ll be pleased to know that a new update has made them safer and more efficient. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) released Bluetooth 6.1, just eight months after the launch of Bluetooth 6.0.
This new version introduces important changes that focus on improving your privacy and extending battery life on your devices. It’s all part of Bluetooth SIG’s new plan to roll out major updates twice a year, helping you benefit from the latest technology sooner.
Improved privacy through randomised device addresses
A key feature in Bluetooth 6.1 is the introduction of Randomised Resolvable Private Address (RPA). This update helps protect your personal information by randomly assigning your device’s address.
In previous versions, devices could be tracked more easily because their Bluetooth address remained the same for a certain period. Bluetooth 6.1 addresses change at unpredictable times, making it far more difficult for third parties to monitor your activity or connect your device behaviour over time.
This upgrade is beneficial in public spaces like shopping centres, where companies sometimes try to track people’s movements using Bluetooth. Now, thanks to RPA, your location and actions are less likely to be tracked, giving you more control over your privacy.
Energy savings thanks to controller support
Another benefit of Bluetooth 6.1 is improved battery performance. Changing the Bluetooth address is now handled by the Controller, rather than the Host. This means your device doesn’t need as much energy to manage the address changes, which can help extend your battery life.
This change could mean fewer trips to the charger if you use wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or other Bluetooth gadgets throughout the day. Devices can now perform essential tasks with less power, especially for smaller products with limited battery space.
This change could also make it easier for developers and manufacturers to build Bluetooth-powered devices that are more energy-efficient and less demanding on your phone or tablet’s system.
Faster improvements through a regular release schedule
Bluetooth 6.1 is the second release to follow the bi-annual schedule introduced by the Bluetooth SIG. This approach aims to speed up innovation by regularly delivering new features and improvements.
With updates every six months, manufacturers and developers can respond more quickly to market needs, keeping your Bluetooth devices updated with the latest features. This also allows for faster testing and development of new ideas in smart homes, fitness trackers, and location-based services.
The previous version, Bluetooth 6.0, introduced “true distance awareness,” which improved how devices estimate their distance from one another. That feature helped make apps for finding lost items or sharing location data more precise.
With Bluetooth 6.1’s added privacy and power benefits, you’ll likely enjoy an even more reliable and user-friendly experience across your connected devices.
