Bluetooth in 2022 Overview

You may not be fully aware of this, but while reading this article, you are probably using multiple devices which benefit from Bluetooth technology. Like a lot of modern solutions nowadays, Bluetooth has become an inseparable part of our lives; it is present in almost every aspect, starting from brushing your teeth to unlocking the car door. Bluetooth has become so natural that we hardly think about this technology’s tremendous progress over the last 30 years.

It is likely that some of you may remember the first appearance of Bluetooth on one of the first-generation cell phones; thanks to this technology, it was possible to transfer data from one device to the other. Primarily, Bluetooth was also a technology that was supposed to enable talking on the phone without actually holding a device in your hand; this was important, especially for drivers and employees who could speak and focus on other activities at the same time.
Nowadays, Bluetooth has expanded like almost no other, taking over multiple areas and providing solutions that go far beyond the initial capabilities. The Bluetooth SIG members work tirelessly to meet the demands and expectations of modern consumers. In this article, we are going to show you what this technology looks like in 2022, including major trends and the state of Bluetooth.

Shipments

As the analysts are observing annual device shipments, it is estimated that in 2026 it will exceed 7 billion for the first time in the history of Bluetooth technology. However, that is not a surprise; rising demand for wireless devices and the desire to meet modern consumers’ needs drive the Bluetooth SIG companies to improve and deliver the best solutions, thus increasing the shipments.Speaking of improvements, they come in different shapes and sizes, starting from widening audio options, enhancing distance measurement, or enabling Bluetooth devices to perform higher data transfer. All of the new and improved functions will be available on platforms supporting both Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). These modes will also face growth in shipments as the need for platform devices as well as peripherals is constantly rising.

Solutions

As mentioned previously, Bluetooth was responsible mainly for audio transfer. Now, we witness an enormous development and expansion of possibilities provided by this technology. Let’s review the most crucial solutions that greatly influence the modern market.

Audio streaming

These days it is hard to find anyone who does not enjoy the comfort of wireless headphones or speakers; that reality is possible thanks to Bluetooth technology. Nowadays, the most essential and broadly-shipped products include peripherals and in-car systems, which significantly changed how we experience auditory content. As the demand for wireless devices is still rising, it is not surprising that the annual shipments of audio streaming devices will, too. What is the future of audio streaming devices? A lot of attention is already paid to LE Audio devices, which will revolutionize the usage of Bluetooth technology. Thanks to its lower power capabilities along with higher audio quality, LE Audio creates wider opportunities in terms of form, accessibility, and comfort of using audio streaming devices. The leading options will include hearing aids support and Broadcast Audio, enabling a completely new user experience.

Data transfer

It is not only about headphones and speakers; the reality without wires has covered many other aspects of our everyday life. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, we can enjoy coexistence with portable devices, and the interest does not decrease; rather, on the contrary. The pandemic time has actually exposed a great need for data transfer and tracking devices; smartwatches, wristbands, peripherals, and other devices have gained enormous popularity, and it is predicted to rise. The wearables have found fertile ground. More and more people are concerned with their health and physical activity, which results in greater demand for smartwatches and fitness tracking applications. The opportunity of working from home has also created a need for more comfortable PC peripherals, all of which are powered by Bluetooth technology. Apart from these everyday devices, AR/VR devices are becoming more and more desirable, and they will certainly experience growth in the upcoming years.

Location services

While GPS is a great navigating technology in the open, Bluetooth brings it to the level where location services can be conveniently used indoors; at the same time, they are not narrowed down to just finding a place on the map. Locating and positioning devices are in high demand in consumers’ everyday lives and in many businesses where tracking and locating products and people is a crucial advantage. Real-time locating system (RTLS) devices are a primal focus in the growth of Bluetooth Location Service. There is a rising need observed concerning efficient transportation, safe tracking, and less time-consuming solutions; that is why it is expected that the annual shipment of Bluetooth Location Services devices will increase by even 25% in 4 years.
Bluetooth technology strives for rapid development in the Location Service field. By increasing precision and high-accuracy distance measurements, Bluetooth devices will provide more flexible and satisfying solutions in terms of asset tracking and digital key systems. Moreover, Bluetooth aims to incorporate direction-finding solutions, which will enhance the work of already existing devices and create space for building new ones with better performance at a lower cost. This solution will enable Bluetooth technology to track and measure not with meter and second accuracy but with centimeters and milliseconds.

Device networks

Establishing a stable, reliable network between multiple devices has become a great need since the appearance of smart homes. Controlling the lighting, humidity, air conditioning, or heating remotely is now more than popular in most offices and public buildings, where it is important to provide employees and clients with the best conditions possible.
Thanks to Bluetooth technology, it is achievable to automate and connect devices to improve their efficiency and, at the same time, make controlling them more convenient. Many smart home devices are widely used in different business branches; thus, the shipments are expected to increase significantly. Today, Bluetooth is the go-to technology for universal purposes. Thanks to its flexibility and constant development, we can enjoy life without wires and experience new, exciting solutions at the same time. The growth of Bluetooth technology will definitely have an important influence on the modern market and our everyday lives.
If you want to know how Bluetooth can be used to improve work at your organization – feel free to reach out!

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Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

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Bluetooth in 2022 Overview

Shipments

Solutions

Audio streaming

Data transfer

Location services

Device networks

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Let's work on your next project together

Bluetooth in 2022 Overview

Shipments

Solutions

Audio streaming

Data transfer

Location services

Device networks

Do you need Smart Innovations?

Let's work on your next project together

Manufacturing

Logistics & supply chain

Retail

Agriculture

Smart Cities

Healthcare

Smart Homes

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Design (From Idea to POC)