Tech Update – 03/08/2021

• Added processes for adding new Environmental Sensing Service (ESS) and User Data Service (UDS) characteristics
• Changed Assigned Values to Assigned Numbers
• Changed Permitted Values to Permitted Characteristics

For more details, see the Assigned Numbers Process Document (ANPD) v2.

Note: The ANPD was formerly known as the Assigned Values Process Document (AVPD).

Tip: If you cannot download a document, please log in to www.bluetooth.com and then copy-paste the web address from the link(s) above.

On 27 July 2021, the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors approved the general principles approach that will guide the process for deprecation and withdrawal (D&W) of the Core Specification. Below is a summary of these general principles:​

• Members will be provided at least 3 years’ notice before a Core Specification is deprecated.​
• The minimum lifetime for a Core Specification will be 15 years​:
• At least 10 years between adoption and deprecation​
• At least 5 years between deprecation and withdrawal​
• When a Core Specification nears its minimum lifetime, but before the default 3-year notice of deprecation is sent, the BoD will analyze its qualification data along with other factors and either approve its deprecation date or extend its minimum lifetime.  ​
• If the BoD approves a Core Specification deprecation plan, the deprecation process will proceed according to these principles and Bluetooth SIG process documents.  ​
• On an annual basis, the BoD intends to review Core Specification usage and D&W dates.​
• BoD approval is required for any D&W dates.​
• Exceptions to the above general principles:​
• A serious flaw found in a specification version could shorten the lifetime of a specification; for example, a severe security issue​
• Unforeseen circumstances could extend the lifetime of a specification​

More information about the Core Specification Deprecation and Withdrawal General Principles will be provided soon on www.bluetooth.com on the Specifications page.

• GATT Specification Supplement (GSS) d5 (r01)
• Mesh Configuration Database (CDB) d1.0 (r08)

Tip: If you cannot download a document, please log in to www.bluetooth.com and then copy-paste the web address from the link(s) above.

For more information about the different IOP types, review the Participation Guide. To learn more about upcoming IOPs or open surveys, visit the IOP Test Events page.

This is a new type of undirected UPF-style remote testing and is open to all members. Testing is targeted towards specifications that have recently been adopted or completed IOP testing and will be coming up for adoption.

The principal method used is co-located hardware, which involves shipping your hardware to the Bluetooth SIG to be connected for testing with another member device. To learn more about the testing methods, process and requirements for participation, please visit our Participation Guide.