What is Bluetooth 5.2? | Difference between the versions of Bluetooth |

Bluetooth 5.2 is the latest form of wireless technology, and it is bound to have a huge impact on communication in years to come. In this article, we will understand what is Bluetooth 5.2 and how it is different from previous versions. We will also try to understand whether you should upgrade to the latest version of Bluetooth 5.2.

What is Bluetooth 5.2? | Bluetooth

Ok, first a little bit of trivia, the name “Bluetooth” was actually a temporary name till a more “cooler” sounding name could be come up by the team at  Bluetooth SIG, the organisation responsible for the technology. And the name was apparently taken from a Danish King who had a rotting tooth in his mouth that was bluish-gray. Hence the name Blue Tooth.

Bluetooth technology is a short-range wireless communication protocol that allows for the exchange of data over short distances between any two devices.It was originally designed to replace the RS-232 computer serial port. This was widely used for connecting PC peripherals like modems and printers. Over a period of time, Bluetooth 1.2 was eventually integrated into different devices. Some of these are wireless headsets, mobile phones, laptops, cars, and digital cameras.

The Different Versions of Bluetooth

Bluetooth 1.0

There are four versions of bluetooth technology in use today, each with distinct capabilities. The first is Classic Bluetooth, or Bluetooth 1.0. This version is the most basic and offers the short-range communications needed for keyboard and mouse devices, headsets, and other similar devices. Bluetooth 1.0 can only connect to one device at a time, resulting in “connecting” problems if more than one device is in range. Classic Bluetooth also has limited bandwidth and range, but these issues were improved upon in later versions of the technology.

Bluetooth 2.0

In 2004, version 2.0 of the specification was released and enabled data transfer speeds of up to 721 kbit/s as well as a longer connection distance of 10 meters (33 feet).It resolved many of the problems found in the initial versions of the technology. The new version doubled the amount of data transferred to 721 kbit/s, increased the connection distance for Class 2 devices to 10 meters (33 feet), and corrected existing problems with object push, group connections, and packet access that were found in previous versions of Bluetooth.

Bluetooth 2.1

Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) was released in 2007 and offered a significant increase in speed to 3 Mbps but did not offer additional features to earlier versions of the standard. Version 4.0 was released in 2010 and offered features such as object push for sending files over a connection as well as group connections for sending information to multiple devices at once through a single access point.

Bluetooth 3.0

Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (High Speed) was released in 2009 and came with a Wi-Fi connection capability that allowed faster data transfer speeds. This resulted in better audio data transmission. As well as the transfer of larger amounts of data such as video.However, it had major drawbacks too, quickly draining the batteries of the Bluetooth-enabled devices and thus an energy hogger.

Bluetooth 4.0-4.2

Bluetooth 4 (2010) delivered Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Bluetooth Smart. This permits more modest gadgets like wellness trackers, amplifiers, and earphones to remain matched longer utilizing less power. Bluetooth Smart Ready permits essential gadgets like PCs, tablets, and cell phones to go about as association centers that could send and get information from Smart gadgets.

Bluetooth 4.0 further developed more than its power utilization. The presentation of the aptX codec additionally improved sound information transmission. This is because of its higher bitrate and productive lossy pressure calculation.

Bluetooth 5.0-5.2

The most recent Bluetooth variant, Bluetooth 5, was released in July 2016 and zeroed in on giving a superior structure to IoT gadgets.

Bluetooth 5 gives an expanded transfer speed limit of 2 Mbps. It likewise stretched out the connection range to up to 240m. Also, it has Low Complexity Communication Codec (LC3). This is another sound convention that moves sound information at lower bitrates without forfeiting sound quality. Other outstanding upgrades include:

Less power utilization
Expanded message limit
Backwards compatability
Dual Audio allows you to interface with two unique gadgets simultaneously

Disadvantages
To completely profit from these new highlights, your peripherals need to have Bluetooth 5 also.

Indeed, you can in any case use a Bluetooth 5 gadget with a Bluetooth 4 gadget. However, to take advantage of the extended range or Dual Audio, you’ll need to ensure your cell phone or PC supports this version also. Any other way, your Bluetooth association will just return to the lower adaptation.

Which Version of Bluetooth is Best?

As always and as with any technology, the more updated version is always the best. Bluetooth 5.2 offers you more secure connections while consuming less power and gives more connectivity range between 2 devices.

Moreover, the latest version of bluetooth i.e. bluetooth 5.2 also offers multi device connectivity and backwards compatibility. This means that a Bluetooth 5.2 device can connect to Bluetooth 5 device and a Bluetooth 4 version device also.But some newer enhancements in Bluetooth 5 won’t work with 4.2 devices. An example of that is the Dual Audio feature of Bluetooth 5. It allows you to connect two pairs of headphones to a single phone. Or play music from one phone on two different speakers.

Should you upgrade to the latest version of Bluetooth 5.2?

Generally, one shouldn’t race to upgrade their devices to take advantage of the improvements unless there is a specific need. If you have a phone with Bluetooth 5 but find that your Bluetooth speaker cuts out when you move it across the room, it might be worth the expense to upgrade your speaker to take advantage of the range. If you don’t have a Bluetooth 5 phone, that would be a lot of money to replace both devices. But most people should be just fine with their current Bluetooth devices.