TMCnews Featured Article

Bluetooth technology has revolutionized the wireless connectivity market. The technology, originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables, is now widely used for connecting several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

The widespread use of Bluetooth in communications has resulted in the development of exclusive market segments like Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth watch and more. The market for Bluetooth is expanding as more and more Bluetooth applications are being discovered. The technology is advancing to offer better communications experience in all these applications.

Market research firm, IMS Research, recently revealed that Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth Smart-Ready) is said to overtake ANT+ technology for wireless connectivity in sport gears by 2016. 

ANT+ is widely used for collection and transfer of sensor data, to manageable units of various types. The technology finds adoption in sports, wellness and home health. ANT+ has standardized profiles for fitness, health, cycling and related activities more so that two ANT+ devices from different manufacturers can work together and exchange heart rate, speed and distance achieved.  

“The rapid transition from ‘classic’ Bluetooth to Bluetooth 4.0 in smartphones, combined with native support in Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s (News - Alert) looming Windows 8 Platform, is set to drive more sports and fitness monitoring device OEMs to look to Bluetooth Smart to provide connectivity with consumer devices,” said Lisa Arrowsmith, senior analyst with IMS Research’s Connectivity Group. “As a result, Bluetooth Smart is expected to be the most utilized wireless technology in sports and fitness devices shipped in 2016.”

While ANT+ has seen some adoption in cellular handsets from companies like Sony Ericsson and HTC (News - Alert), the Bluetooth Smart-Ready is set to show higher adoption in cellular handsets as a rapid transition from ‘classic’ Bluetooth to Bluetooth Smart Ready occurs, according to Arrowsmith.