Wireless connectivity is evolving rapidly in Asia’s most innovative markets, where new technologies and industry trends are taking shape. In October, Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) CEO Neville Meijers and Bluetooth SIG CMO Ken Kolderup traveled through Japan and China to connect directly with member companies and industry partners, attend flagship industry events, and gain a close-up view of the region’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape.
Enabling real-world experiences through industry collaboration
At CEATEC, Japan’s largest technology tradeshow, the Bluetooth SIG collaborated with major Auracast™ players — including hearing aid manufacturer Rion and audio innovators Cear and Sony — to demonstrate the potential of broadcast audio. Led by Lori Lee, senior director for APAC and China at the Bluetooth SIG, the presentation reached over 150 industry professionals. Part of the audience experienced Auracast™ receivers from Ampetronic, receiving audio directly from the transmitter and witnessing firsthand how this technology is transforming public spaces and enhancing accessibility.
Driving innovation through aligned strategy and a mature ecosystem
The annual Tokyo Seminar brought together Japan’s wireless innovation community under the theme of creating a better world through connection. At the seminar, key updates to the Bluetooth roadmap were shared, including a look at the high data throughput (HDT) project, set for fall 2026, which offers four times the speed and data capacity of current Bluetooth technology. High-resolution audio, ultra-low latency HID, and continued advancements in Auracast™ broadcast audio and Bluetooth® Channel Sounding were also highlighted at the event.
The seminar featured diverse sessions showcasing Japan’s leadership across industries. Eight major member companies — including Allion, Alps Alpine, Bettear, Mitsufuji, Nordic Semiconductor, Sony, Toshiba, and TÜV Rheinland Japan — presented advanced case studies. A panel discussion with six leading audio and accessibility companies — Hibino, NTT Sonority, Panasonic, Rion, Sony, and Toshiba — fostered dynamic conversations about the future of wireless audio. Attendees experienced multiple perspectives using Ampetronic and Hibino Auracast™ transmitters and receivers, highlighting the practical application of Bluetooth® technology.
In the exhibition area, eleven member companies demonstrated their latest innovations. Demonstrations of high data throughput and Bluetooth® Channel Sounding exhibited at the Bluetooth SIG’s booth drew crowds and gave visitors hands-on exposure to emerging Bluetooth solutions.
Strengthening regional industry collaboration
Beyond the seminar, the Bluetooth SIG delegation engaged with member companies in Japan, including Alps Alpine, Elecom, Hibino, Murata, NTT Sonority, Rion, Sharp, and Sony. These discussions provided deeper insights into Japanese market needs and strengthened regional partnerships.
The delegation then visited China to meet key members, including Beken, Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO, TPV, Unisoc, Vivo, Wuqi Microelectronic, and Xiaomi. Participants expressed strong support for the Bluetooth SIG’s continued engagement, particularly the establishment of the China Entity, expansion of the local team, the return of Bluetooth Asia, and the launch of the Bluetooth China Interest Group. In-person discussions offered valuable perspectives on China’s innovation landscape and industry requirements, helping inform how the Bluetooth SIG can best support regional innovation.
Shaping the next phase of ecosystem growth
The Bluetooth SIG’s ongoing engagement in China and Japan underscores the importance of building strong, locally rooted ecosystems to support market growth and innovation. By collaborating closely with member companies, industry organizations, and regional stakeholders, the Bluetooth SIG continues to drive Bluetooth adoption and align global strategy with local market needs.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for 23–24 April 2026. Bluetooth Asia 2026 will be held in Shenzhen, China, where the region’s key players in the Bluetooth ecosystem will convene to explore the latest advances and shape the future of connected experiences.
