Bluetooth High Data Throughput Adopted, With Devices Expected In Early 2027

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has announced formal adoption of Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT), initially as an optional feature of Bluetooth Core 7.0. The first devices to use HDT are expected to arrive in early 2027 ahead of a wider rollout. The feature raises the maximum supported bit rate on Bluetooth LE devices from 2Mbps to up to 7.5Mbps, nearly four times higher.

What HDT changes

Because the new Bluetooth connection can carry more data in the same amount of time, the development is expected to make higher quality wireless audio possible and to facilitate new spatial and multi-channel audio experiences. The increased throughput should also bring benefits to general efficiency and reliability. With more bandwidth, the technology should work better with data-hungry AI applications and spatial computing devices.

Everyday benefits

Tasks such as keeping smartwatch firmware updated or syncing fitness data between devices should become faster and less disruptive. HDT works with Bluetooth LE devices, which are already power-saving by nature compared with devices that maintain a continuous connection.

What comes next

The industry now awaits announcements of the first wave of devices that will support Bluetooth HDT. A betting person might expect those devices to arrive at CES in January, if not before.

Sources: Engadget