From Wireless Audio to the Smart Home, Bluetooth Technology Is Everywhere at CES

Showcasing more than 4,500 exhibiting companies, from manufactures and developers to consumer technology suppliers, CES is well regarded as the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. This year at CES, attendees had an opportunity to get a first-hand look at how Bluetooth® technology is emerging as a key enabling solution for a wide range of consumer devices, especially new innovations for the smart home.  

In response to an increased adoption of Bluetooth mesh in smart home solutions, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) formed a new Smart Home Subgroup. The new subgroup will create additional Bluetooth mesh model specifications for smart home and related applications. “For the smart home market to grow, it needs true global wireless mesh networking standards that can meet the reliability, security, and performance needs of the market,” said Dian Fan, General Manager of Xiaomi IoT Platform. “We’re confident that Bluetooth mesh is one of those standards and will enable tremendous growth and innovation in home automation for years to come.”

“We’re confident that Bluetooth mesh…will enable tremendous growth and innovation in home automation for years to come.”

CES is Blue

For those unable to make the trip out to Las Vegas, here are a few highlights from the show.

• • Xiaomi launches new smart home products supported by Bluetooth® mesh networking. The new smart home products use EFR32BG Wireless Gecko system-on-chip (SoC) devices running Silicon Labs’ Bluetooth mesh protocol stack for an optimal combination of features and capabilities. Read more.
  • RoomMe is a simple sensor that creates personalized home automation profiles for everyone in your house. Since sensors connect via Bluetooth technology instead of Wi-Fi, all smart home automation tasks are completed locally to prevent any data sharing online. Read more.
  • Node-ify can sense everything from temperature and weight to humidity and motion in your home. This super-sensing smart puck is battery powered and connects via Bluetooth to a mobile app on your iOS or Android device. Read more.
  • Tile brings its location-tracking technology to more products. Tile is partnering with Bluetooth chip makers to integrate tracking technology directly onto their chips, and attendees had an opportunity to experience this innovation firsthand at CES. Read more.
  • Diabeloop’s mobile handset aims to simplify type 1 diabetes management. The DBLG1 System links a continuous glucose monitor and patch insulin pump with a handset, sending a glucose measurement via Bluetooth technology to that handset every five minutes. Read more.
  • Nura showcases hearing-adaptive Bluetooth enabled earphones. Nura’s software builds a unique hearing profile for each listener that compensates for hearing deficiencies and over sensitivities to give you a personalized sound. Read more.
  • Chipolo’s Go announces an ultra-robust tracker that combines Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE. Its battery lasts six months on a single charge, and it connects to a companion app on iOS and Android for real-time location reporting. Read more.
  • Ledger revealed its latest device, the Bluetooth enabled Ledger Nano X, which adds Bluetooth support for mobile bitcoin access. By adding Bluetooth capabilities, the Nano X can connect to mobile devices through the new Ledger Live app. Read more.
  • JBL LINK Drive is a Google Home that plugs into your car and supports Google Assistant on the road with you. Pairing with your phone over a Bluetooth signal, it allows you to share your vehicle while maintaining access to your own Google accounts while driving. Read more.

Learn more about participating in the Bluetooth Smart Home Subgroup or any Bluetooth® working group.