Bluetooth 5.1 adds device direction support with location accuracy up to centimetre level

With Bluetooth 5.1, gadgets will be able to know precisely what direction a signal is coming from

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has introduced a new direction-finding feature in the Bluetooth 5.1, providing better location accuracy to users.

The new feature enables devices to determine exactly where another Bluetooth 5.1-enabled device is down to the centimetre, rather than to within a few metres.

According to the Bluetooth SIG, it is merging object-tracking technology with radio direction tech to get the accurate measurements.

"The new direction finding feature can help Bluetooth better address the varied and evolving needs of the location industry, enabling more flexible, scalable and futureproof deployments that will further accelerate the adoption of Bluetooth for location services in existing markets, while unlocking additional business opportunities for new applications and use cases," said Andrew Zignani, senior analyst at ABI Research.

Bluetooth is a wireless telecommunications specification that defines how mobile devices, computers and other devices can communicate or exchange data with each other over short distances using a wireless connection.

Refined over almost 20 years, Bluetooth enables, for example, a Bluetooth-enabled printer to receive documents wirelessly to print out from any 'paired' device. Smartphone users can also stream media, such as music, television shows and movies, to other devices via Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth standard is managed by the SIG, which has more than 30,000 member companies. A manufacturer must follow Bluetooth SIG standards to sell or market a product as a Bluetooth device.

Bluetooth 5.0, which was introduced in 2016, ushered in a number of improvements over previous versions. These improvements included a longer range and speedier data transfers. With Bluetooth 5.0, systems can track devices by measuring their signal strength, with an accuracy range of between one and 10 metres.

With the introduction of Bluetooth 5.1, gadgets will be able to know precisely what direction a signal is coming from, making the measurements more accurate.

Bluetooth 5.1, which is now available for developers, is expected to help users experience improved indoor navigation, allowing them to more easily find their way around airports, museums, supermarkets, and even cities.

In the future, the new feature may also have an impact in health care, retail, and manufacturing.