Bluetooth technology helping create new smart home market

Bluetooth technology is by far the most successful of any of the short range wireless technologies used in the home. Bluetooth technology outsells all of the other short range standards put together, with more than 2 billion Bluetooth enabled chips shipped every year.

The vast network of Bluetooth devices includes billions of phones, tablets, PCs and TVs in use today worldwide. These devices can not only talk to each other, but also communicate with Bluetooth enabled appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other devices in the smart home. Companies that commercialize this emerging market by selling smart home devices with Bluetooth technology will be able to take advantage of the Bluetooth network effect, ensuring their products can work with the phones, tablets, PCs and TVs homeowners already own.

Bluetooth technology is mature. Over the past decade, it has evolved to address all of the key requirements of the smart home market, including security, reliability, and wireless range.

Saving energy costs with Bluetooth enabled hub devices

Smart home devices help homeowners save money and use less energy. Rising natural gas, heating oil, and electricity costs have people more concerned than ever about energy use in the home. As intelligent energy delivery advances, two-way communication will allow smart meters to send real-time information about energy consumption directly to homeowners, helping them conserve energy and save on their utility bills.

For example, homeowners will be able to use their Bluetooth enabled smart phone, tablet or PC to monitor and adjust their heat and air conditioning, even when they're not home. The sophisticated displays and applications on today's phones and other hub computing devices can make it easy to control all the appliances and systems throughout a smart home.

These Bluetooth hub devices will help homeowners fine tune their energy use by scheduling power-hungry appliances to use electricity when prices are lowest, such as setting their electric car to recharge in the middle of the night. A new generation of smart washers, dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances will even be able to take the guesswork out of when to use them, by automatically turning on when energy costs are at their lowest. Homeowners will be able to control all of these appliances using a Bluetooth wireless phone, tablet, laptop or TV, from anywhere in their house.

Making home automation a reality with Bluetooth technology

With a phone, tablet, or laptop in hand, homeowners can also control the lights, temperature, household appliances, window and door locks, security systems and other systems in a smart home. Because most homeowners already have at least one Bluetooth enabled hub device, they can do this with devices they're already familiar with and know how to use.

People will be able to monitor and control everything from tonight's meal to their home security system with user-friendly menus on the latest Bluetooth enabled phones, tablets, and computers. They can even simplify daily tasks by setting up alerts about their home to be sent to their PC or phone.

Smart homes will also make it easier to for people to make sure all their windows and doors are locked. Cars have had wireless remotes for years that allow them to be locked and secured with the touch of a button. Compare that to most homes, where you have to walk around and visually check every door and window. Why isn't there the equivalent of a car remote for the house? Companies that solve challenges like this will tap into a huge market of homeowners eager to take technologies they already have in their car or office and use them at home.

How to profit from this growing market

The Bluetooth SIG can help your company benefit from opportunities in the smart home market. Get started by joining the Bluetooth SIG community. We have more than 15,000 member companies worldwide making everything from cars and computers to mobile phones and microchips. To learn more, visit our membership page.