Bluetooth 5.0 was introduced in 2017 and now this fall the first smartphones of two leading companies have now incorporated 5.0.
Integra Systems, Inc. was around when the extension of the 802.11 standard, 802.11b was introduced in 1999 at a blazing speed of 2Mbps. Actually proprietary 802.11 FHSS and 802.11 DSSS were around prior, but at low speed. Speed then was around 1Mbps. So 802.11b was around twice of proprietary 802.11FH (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) or DS.(Direct Sequence Spread Spretrum) A year later the Wi-Fi Alliance was formed which created interoperability. Wi-Fi as we know it today, was off and running.
Bluetooth 5 now offers 2 times the speed of 4.01/4.1/4.2 at up to 2Mbps, four times the range with 500/125 kbps, and eight times the broadcast capacity with advertising extensions.
Expect all types of new applications to open up with Bluetooth mesh being also introduced. This includes but not limited to areas of industrial automation, lighting, and security.
