The Development History of Bluetooth Low Enegry Technology

Introduction

Bluetooth holds its importance in our daily lives and many industries. But how has it evolved and developed into the dominant wireless technology we know today? Why is it named Bluetooth (many people must be confused when they first hear it)? Today, let's take a look back at this wireless radio technology.

When was Bluetooth Invented?

Origins of Radio in 1800s

The 18th and 19th centuries saw electricity transformed from mysterious force to quantifiable phenomenon through persistent scientific inquiry. James Clerk Maxwell's 1876 mathematical work proved revolutionary—his equations didn't just describe known electrical behaviors but predicted invisible "electromagnetic waves" traveling through empty space. This theoretical framework became the bedrock for practical breakthroughs.

It fell to Heinrich Hertz in 1887 to materialize Maxwell's vision. His laboratory instruments captured fleeting electromagnetic pulses, confirming through measurable evidence their shared characteristics with light waves: polarized reflections, diffraction patterns around obstacles, and standing wave formations.

Practical applications followed swiftly. Guglielmo Marconi's 1895 demonstration of wireless signals crossing 1.5 kilometers evolved within six years into transatlantic telegraphy. Yet these early systems communicated only in coded pulses until December 24, 1906. From a Massachusetts coastal station, Reginald Fessenden's equipment achieved what many deemed impossible—transmitting actual human speech and music.

Radio's evolution from experimental novelty to global necessity occurred through incremental steps. Morse code's staccato rhythms gradually gave way to voice transmissions, fundamentally altering humanity's capacity to share information across continents and cultures.

Invention of Bluetooth in 1994

In 1994, Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson, engineers at Sweden's Ericsson, tackled a persistent challenge: eliminating wired connections between mobile devices and headsets. Their work pioneered short-range radio communication technology. Haartsen's solution centered on 2.4 GHz ultra-high frequency radio waves – a band already crowded with WiFi signals. To ensure reliable connections, he engineered a frequency-hopping method that dynamically shifted transmission channels, allowing Bluetooth to coexist with other devices using the same spectrum.

The technology gained formal backing in May 1998 when five industry leaders – Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba – established the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). This consortium, still operational today, oversees the development and standardization of Bluetooth specifications, ensuring compatibility across generations of wireless devices.

Deciding the Offical Name in 1996

Back in 1996, engineers from Intel, Ericsson, and Nokia were hashing out plans to standardize a new wireless tech—but it needed a catchy name for the market. Jim Kardach, an Intel engineer, pitched an idea inspired by a 10th-century Viking king.

King Harald Bl?tand earned his nickname from a famously discolored tooth, rumored to look blue or black. More importantly, he’d united Denmark and Norway—a feat Kardach saw as a perfect metaphor for their mission: linking PCs, phones, and other gadgets through short-range wireless magic.

The name “Bluetooth” started as a joke, a placeholder until someone dreamed up something cooler. But trademark issues and tight deadlines left the team with little choice—they kept the name as a practical solution.

Even the logo nods to the backstory. It stitches together two Nordic runes—? (H) and ? (B)—Harald’s initials in the ancient alphabet. What began as a historical punchline became the face of a tech revolution.

First Bluetooth Device Invented in 1999

The first Bluetooth device hit the market in 1999—a hands-free mobile headset that debuted at COMDEX, earning the event’s "Best of Show Technology Award." That same year saw the launch of Bluetooth Specification 1.0, which paved the way for a wave of wireless gadgets. While Ericsson’s T36 claimed the title of first Bluetooth-enabled phone, the model never reached store shelves. It wasn’t until 2001 that a revamped version, the T39, finally hit the market, marking Bluetooth’s transition from experimental tech to something consumers could actually hold—and use—in their daily lives.

Who Invented Bluetooth?

Born in The Hague, Netherlands, Jaap Haartsen earned his Master’s (1986) and PhD (1990) in Electrical Engineering from Delft University of Technology. After joining Ericsson in 1991, he split his R&D work between the U.S. and Sweden. By 1993, he’d been tasked with a mission: develop short-range wireless tech to boost mobile phone capabilities and crack open new markets. The following year at Ericsson Mobile Platforms in Lund, Sweden, Haartsen pioneered the framework for Bluetooth—using radio frequency links to bridge devices, though he later admitted underestimating the technology’s eventual global impact. As a founding architect of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), he spearheaded standardization and worldwide certification of the wireless interface, serving as chair of the Protocol Specifications Group until 2000.

The Development of Bluetooth Standard

The Development of Bluetooth version traces the evolution of a technology that has revolutionized wireless communication. From its initial version, Bluetooth 1.0, to the latest Bluetooth 6, the technology has become a cornerstone of modern connectivity, enabling seamless interaction between a wide array of devices, from smartphones and headphones to IoT applications. This section explores the key milestones and innovations that have shaped Bluetooth into the ubiquitous standard it is today.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Powering the IoT Revolution

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless tech built to sip battery life while keeping costs down—a perfect match for today’s smart devices. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for IoT:

Low Power Consumption

BLE devices run on tiny amounts of power, letting gadgets like fitness bands, sensors, and smart home gear work for months (or years) on a single coin-cell battery.

Tiny Price Tag, Tiny Size

BLE modules are cheap to make and small enough to tuck into almost anything. This makes mass production a breeze, slashing costs for connected devices.

Highly Compatible

It works seamlessly with classic Bluetooth gear and supports multiple OS and device types. No more compatibility headaches when linking smart gadgets.

Everywhere You Look

From health trackers and thermostats to industry sensors, BLE handles real-time data and remote control—no wires, no fuss.

FAQ

Why it is called Bluetooth?

The name "Bluetooth" comes from a 10th-century Scandinavian king, Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson, who united Denmark and Norway. The creators of Bluetooth technology chose this name to symbolize the technology's ability to unite different devices and facilitate wireless communication.

What is the Logo mean?

The Bluetooth logo is a combination of two Scandinavian runes—Hagall (?) and Bjarkan (?)—representing the initials of King Harald Bluetooth. The symbol signifies the merging of technology and communication, reflecting the essence of Bluetooth's purpose: to connect devices and enable seamless wireless interaction.