Why Bluetooth still dominates, even with shiny new tech

1 min read

I had the opportunity to chat with Pabi Moloi on the Power FM Power Lunch Tech Tuesday about a topic we often overlook in our daily lives — Bluetooth.

It’s the technology behind everything from our wireless headphones to smartwatches.

But with new connectivity options like Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi 6, and Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) making headlines, many are wondering:

Is Bluetooth on its way out?

Bluetooth versus UWB, Wi-Fi 6 and Li-Fi

Bluetooth is everywhere, but it’s not without flaws. And sometimes, range can be a problem.

Depending on the device class, Bluetooth can cover anywhere from 10 to 100 meters, which pales in comparison to Wi-Fi’s ability to blanket an entire home.

Then there’s speed.

Traditional Bluetooth maxes out at just 1 Mbps. It’s fine for transferring small files or streaming audio, but it’s a bottleneck in our fast-paced, data-driven world.

Interference is another issue.

Bluetooth operates in a crowded 2.4 GHz band, competing with everything from Wi-Fi routers to microwaves.

The rise of UWB, Wi-Fi 6, and Li-Fi

While Bluetooth has its limitations, newer technologies are stepping in to handle tasks it can’t.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is used for precise location tracking.

Think smart tags for finding your phone or keys, and even advanced smart locks.

Wi-Fi 6, the latest iteration of Wi-Fi technology, is perfect for high-speed applications.

It supports multiple devices simultaneously without breaking a sweat, making it ideal for smart homes, 4K streaming, and even gaming.

Li-Fi, on the other hand, is a completely different beast.

Using light to transmit data instead of radio waves, it’s perfect for environments like hospitals or airplanes where radio frequencies aren’t allowed.

Plus, it’s incredibly secure.

Why Bluetooth isn’t going anywhere

Despite these shiny new technologies, Bluetooth isn’t about to disappear.

Its biggest strength? Ubiquity.

It’s built into billions of devices worldwide, from smartphones to earbuds. Switching to something new would require a massive overhaul—not just in hardware but in user habits.

Instead of being replaced, Bluetooth will likely coexist with technologies like UWB, Wi-Fi 6, and Li-Fi.

We also discussed what developers and businesses looking to adopt the most suitable connectivity tech for their products should consider.

Bluetooth isn’t perfect, but it’s deeply ingrained in how we live and work.

While UWB, Wi-Fi 6, and Li-Fi bring exciting possibilities, they’re carving out niches rather than replacing Bluetooth entirely.

Visit Power Lunch for more talks with Pabi Moloi about life, love and everything in between.

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Cheryl Kahla Founder and Editor
Cheryl Kahla explores the intersections of tech and society. She covers emerging tech trends, AI, science, and gaming. Outside of writing, Cheryl indulges in martial arts and debating the merits of AI with her cat, Gotham. He is indifferent to the subject.

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