The WIRED Guide to Bluetooth

Companies employ Bluetooth in many proprietary features, like Apple’s AirDrop and Google’s Quick Share. Google merged Nearby Share with Samsung’s Quick Share in 2024, and much like AirDrop, it uses Bluetooth to establish a connection and then Wi-Fi to transfer files. Bluetooth 5.2 in 2020 allowed for multiple simultaneous data streams and better control over the power and signal required by connected devices. Bluetooth 5.3 in 2021 brought improvements in audio quality, increased power efficiency, and wider compatibility. Bluetooth 5.4 in 2023 improved security and reduced latency, but it also included functionality aimed at retailers, allowing them to monitor and change electronic shelf labels.