Why it is important to standardize communication for Bluetooth functionality
Bluetooth is the global benchmark for safe, flexible, dependable, effortless wireless connection. Every day, billions of Bluetooth® devices are being used in countless ways by people, businesses, and industry around the world, with many more on the way. It is no exaggeration to say that the world depends on Bluetooth technology.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), in partnership with our member companies, works to continuously improve the technology’s capabilities, performance, reliability, and security. We are also responsible for one of the most recognizable brands on the planet.
The value of the Bluetooth brand
It is easy to take for granted how ubiquitous Bluetooth connectivity is; it is everywhere, often in unexpected places, powering amazing experiences. The ever-present nature of Bluetooth technology is due, in large part, to the hard work and commitment of tens of thousands of dedicated member companies working together to create, proliferate, and solidify Bluetooth as a global standard for wireless connectivity.
Thanks to this standardization, when you see the Bluetooth logo on a device, you know that it will seamlessly connect with other Bluetooth solutions. As such, it is important for everyone in the Bluetooth community to help ensure we are using standardized terminology to support our standardized technology.
Standardizing communication for Bluetooth functionality
Earlier this year, the Bluetooth SIG released guidance for members that encourages a standardized approach to how we communicate Bluetooth features to end users across all industries. This guide highlights how Bluetooth members can showcase supported Bluetooth functionality in their product packaging and promotional materials, such as product data sheets and web pages. It provides recommendations for effectively communicating support for essential aspects of Bluetooth technology and aims to achieve three goals:
- Encourage consistent public communication of supported Bluetooth functionality
- Help customers easily identify Bluetooth technology and capabilities in products
- Increase customer confidence that products are up to date with the latest Bluetooth technology
Each new version of the Bluetooth® Core Specification includes all previously defined functionality as well as any new features introduced. Additionally, the vast majority of Bluetooth features are optional to implement, so the specification version alone does not indicate which features or capabilities a product supports.
As such, you are strongly encouraged to avoid communicating the version of the Bluetooth® Core Specification against which a product was qualified (e.g., Bluetooth Core 6.0) to describe the Bluetooth functionality supported in that product. Doing so can create misunderstandings about the product’s capabilities (e.g., a device qualified to Bluetooth Core 6.0 is not required to contain any of the new features added in Bluetooth Core 6.0 or even in Bluetooth Core 5.0).
Instead, focus on clearly and accurately describing the specific Bluetooth features your product supports, emphasizing those most important to your target customers, in product packaging, documentation, and promotional materials.
Whether you are a member company that is developing end-use products (e.g., mice, headphones, electronic shelf labels) or creating enabling technology products (e.g., chipsets, stacks, modules), we encourage you to refer to this guidance when publicly communicating supported Bluetooth functionality.
Ensuring confidence in your Bluetooth products
Whatever your role in the Bluetooth community, you are part of something big, helping to promote and develop one of the most powerful and transformative technologies. The importance of what you do to advance and protect the Bluetooth standard cannot be overstated.
All of us, from Bluetooth SIG staff to community device creators and innovators to product and marketing managers and more, need to communicate with unified terminology regardless of market, industry, or region. It is essential to maintaining the value of the Bluetooth brand while ensuring end-user confidence in your products to support Bluetooth capabilities.
See the guide for Communicating Supported Bluetooth® Functionality.
