Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) (also called Bluetooth Smart or Version 4.0+ of the Bluetooth specification) is the power- and application-friendly version of Bluetooth that was built for the Internet of Things (IoT).

The power-efficiency of Bluetooth with low energy functionality makes it perfect for devices that run for long periods on power sources such as coin cell batteries or energy-harvesting devices. The smart part is the native support for Bluetooth technology on every major operating system, for easy mobile application development and connectivity for cloud computing and the social economy.

What it means for consumers

Bluetooth with its low energy functionality powers the Internet of Your Things. You wake up and go for a run with a heart rate monitor that communicates with your smart watch, then listen to music through your shower head. You unlock your doors, set the temperature, turn on the lights and control your TV using the smartphone or tablet you already own. All these wirelessly connected devices make your life richer through the convenience, empowerment and freedom of Bluetooth technology. 

Developing with low energy and Bluetooth

Bluetooth makes it easy for developers and OEMs to create innovative new products that communicate with the billions of Bluetooth enabled devices already in the market. Bluetooth with low energy is inexpensive and developer-friendly, with a flexible development architecture that means you’re only limited by your imagination. And as a Bluetooth SIG member, you can tap into a network of tens of thousands of application developers, device makers and service providers.

Key features of Bluetooth with low energy include:

• Industry-standard wireless protocol that allows for multi-vendor interoperability
• Ultra-low peak, average and idle mode power consumption that gives the ability to run for month(s) on standard coin-cell batteries
• Standardized application development architecture that leads to low development and operational costs
• Allows for some of the tightest security in the industry with 128-bit AES data encryption

Learn more about the security in Bluetooth with its low energy features.

Market advantages

Reach a wider audience by leveraging a proven and ubiquitous ecosystem of billions of Bluetooth enabled devices in a growing market

• Generate new profit opportunities by quickly developing innovative wireless devices to meet changing consumer demand
• Increase revenue and customer loyalty with engaging applications that make your products more useful via cloud computing and social connectivity

The Bluetooth Core Specification also includes Version 2.1, referred to as Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR), and Version 3.0 or Bluetooth high speed technology.

- See more at: https://www.bluetooth.com/what-is-bluetooth-technology/bluetooth-technology-basics/low-energy#sthash.a72zG5yZ.dpuf