Latest news with #BluetoothSIG
The Verge
27-06-2025
- The Verge
Google quietly introduced precise Bluetooth tracking on the Pixel Watch 3
With the Wear OS 5.1 update that was released last March, Google quietly introduced a new feature called Channel Sounding for the Pixel Watch 3 that could improve the accuracy of pinpointing the location of other devices using its existing Bluetooth hardware. But while Channel Sounding is now supported by the smartwatch, it's not yet in use because the wearable is one of the first Android devices to implement it, according to Android Authority, and you need multiple devices supporting the feature for it to work. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced the latest iteration of its wireless communication protocol in September 2024, and one of Bluetooth 6.0's most interesting upgrades has nothing to do with wireless headphones. Most Bluetooth-based trackers rely on the signal strength between two connected devices to estimate their distance, but it's frequently unreliable due to obstacles or interference. Channel Sounding instead measures the time it takes to send multiple radio signals at different frequencies between two connected devices. According to Bluetooth SIG, that approach allows for 'centimeter-level accuracy,' as well as directional awareness. Pinpointing the exact location of a tracking device like an Apple AirTag using an iPhone is easy thanks to their use of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) hardware. The wireless UWB protocol provides more accurate spatial awareness between devices, allowing apps like Apple's Find My to determine the exact distance to a tracker like an AirTag and provide directional arrows guiding you to its location. But UWB requires its own radio and antenna, which increases the hardware costs of a device. The advantage of Channel Sounding is that it uses the Bluetooth hardware that's now common in nearly every smartphone, smartwatch, and set of wireless headphones. Devices will need Bluetooth hardware that supports the new 6.0 protocol, but given the Pixel Watch 3 is nearly 10 months old at this point, there are plenty of devices available that are already compatible. We just need more companies to release software updates that add support for Bluetooth 6.0 so we can actually start taking advantage of these new features.
Android Authority
27-06-2025
- Android Authority
The Pixel Watch 3 is the first Android device with this precise Bluetooth tracking feature
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR The Google Pixel Watch 3 is the first known Android device to support Bluetooth Channel Sounding, enabling precise, centimeter-level distance tracking. This feature is more accurate than traditional Bluetooth signal strength for finding items and serves as a widespread, low-cost alternative to UWB. While the watch supports Channel Sounding after its Wear OS 5.1 update, the feature is not yet in use, likely in preparation for a future Find Hub app release. Late last year, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced Bluetooth 6.0, introducing a feature called Channel Sounding that enables true distance awareness by precisely calculating the distance between two devices. This new capability has exciting implications for item trackers, most of which lack precision finding. The catch? It seemed no Android devices on the market supported Bluetooth 6.0 or Channel Sounding. As it turns out, there is one device that supports Channel Sounding: the Google Pixel Watch 3. You're reading an Authority Insights story. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. These reports reflect developments at the time of writing. Some features or details uncovered in leaks may change before official release. Most Bluetooth devices currently rely on measuring the signal strength between them to estimate distance. While simple to implement, this method is unreliable; it's imprecise and susceptible to interference, making it frustrating for item tracking. In contrast, Channel Sounding calculates the time it takes for a signal to travel between two devices, achieving centimeter-level accuracy. If you've ever struggled to locate an item tracker using your phone, it's likely because it was relying on that same imprecise signal strength method. This is why the rollout of UWB (Ultra-wideband) support in devices like the Moto Tag was so significant, as UWB allows for far more precise location tracking than what Bluetooth's signal strength can offer. Left: Locating an item tracker using Bluetooth signal strength measurements. Right: Locating an item tracker using UWB. However, UWB adds complexity and cost to a product. It's also only preferable for a handful of use cases, which is why so few Android phones support it. In contrast, nearly every mobile device supports Bluetooth. This ubiquity makes Channel Sounding a viable alternative to UWB, even if it's not quite as precise. The only catch is that most existing mobile devices don't support Channel Sounding and likely never will, as adding the feature requires a Bluetooth firmware update. To date, no Android phone — not even Google's latest Pixel devices — has received such an update. The Google Pixel Watch 3, however, gained this capability with its recent Wear OS 5.1 update. Following the update, the watch now reports that it supports FEATURE_BLUETOOTH_LE_CHANNEL_SOUNDING , the specific Android feature flag that confirms Channel Sounding is supported. Given that Channel Sounding is a Bluetooth 6.0 feature, we can assume this means the Pixel Watch 3 was updated to support the new standard, but that hasn't been officially confirmed. Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Even with UWB, the Pixel Watch 3 still benefits from having Channel Sounding. The problem is there's no evidence the feature is actually being used. That's likely because Google hasn't released its Find Hub app for Wear OS, though evidence suggests one is in the works. Find Hub would be the prime candidate for using Channel Sounding, as it would dramatically improve locating trackers that have Bluetooth 6.0 but lack UWB, like the Chipolo POP. Google may be waiting for Android 16 to fully implement this. The new OS version adds generic ranging APIs that will simplify how apps like Find Hub use these tracking technologies. Speaking of Android 16, its compatibility requirements mandate a clear performance minimum. Google mandates that devices with Channel Sounding must 'report the range accurately to within +/- 0.5m at the 90th percentile … at a distance of 1m.' This requirement sets a minimum performance bar, ensuring the tracking experience is reliable across different devices. Of course, whether that holds up in practice remains to be seen. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
GSM Arena
23-05-2025
- GSM Arena
iQOO Z10 Lite is coming, might be the vivo T4 Lite's twin
iQOO's ever-expanding Z10 family just added the Z10 Turbo and Z10 Turbo Pro last month, but another member is on the way as well - the Z10 Lite. This has been certified by the Bluetooth SIG, and also listed in the Google Play Supported Devices database. Thus, its name is confirmed, as is its model number - I2409. While no specs for it have been outed so far, it's likely that it will slot underneath the Z10x in iQOO's portfolio. Rumor also has it that the vivo T4 Lite and the iQOO Z10 Lite will be identical devices with different names. iQOO Z10 Lite at the Bluetooth SIG That wouldn't be surprising at all seeing as how last year, the iQOO Z9 Lite and the vivo T3 Lite were the same device too. Presumably, the Z10 Lite and T4 Lite will be launched in different markets, but that's not always a given - sometimes these rebrands end up competing against each other just to make things extra confusing. iQOO Z10 Lite in the Google Play Supported Devices database Here's where the plot thickens. The Z10 Lite and T4 Lite allegedly have the same firmware files as the vivo Y19 and Y29s, which implies that the Z10 Lite and T4 Lite will be similar to these. The Y19 and Y29s are identical save for the latter having a 50 MP main camera instead of 13 MP. So, with all of this in mind, we wouldn't be shocked if the iQOO Z10 Lite and vivo T4 Lite end up also sporting a 6.74-inch LCD screen with 720x1600 resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate and 570-nit brightness, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, 4/6/8GB of RAM, 64/128/256GB of expandable storage, a 5 MP selfie camera, and a 5,500 mAh battery with support for 15W wired charging. vivo iQOO Z10x 5G vivo iQOO Z9 Lite vivo T3 Lite vivo Y19 5G Via
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.
