While Bluetooth 3.0 is not yet available and the Bluetooth 2.1 is not used effectively, the consortium that manages the norm in question has announced version 4.0 of the standard.

Towards the low consumption

One of the new modes will be dedicated to the very low consumption. We have therefore made three modes: the 2.1 + EDR (for compatibility, 3 Mbps maximum), Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (which uses the Wi-Fi as a transfer medium) and Bluetooth 'low energy. Interestingly, the packet size decreases, with low latency (3 ms), which will afford to the standby controller very often and not force him to wake up only when necessary. The rates will remain low (1 megabit / s maximum) but for sensors, surveillance systems or to transfer the sound is more than enough. Also new, you can work two ways: either with a bidirectional (standard) or with a unidirectional system. The latter, very suitable for home automation systems and sensors of all kinds, not necessarily require a return.

There are also new security (with a match more secure encryption and transfers) and other developments should occur by the finalization of the standard. The first devices available in the second half, but Broadcom has already compatible chips (limited to duplex mode).