Ultra Low Power - The next generation Bluetooth standard

Wibree, known now as ULP (Ultra Low Power) Bluetooth, is the next-generation Bluetooth standard. Unfortunately, ULP isn't compatible with current Bluetooth standards. ULP Bluetooth is a complementary Bluetooth technology that can be used to transfer data sets between compact devices and is expected to be able to run for up to ten years on one button cell battery.

When ULP Bluetooth is used, in a wireless heart rate monitor for example, the monitor simply 'advertises' itself to the control/reader using three frequencies (could be a mobile phone or watch) that then connects sends its very short burst of data and then switches off again. This allows ULP Bluetooth to achieve data transfer 50-times faster than standard Bluetooth; less time spent transferring data means the ULP radio spends less time active.

ULP allows for 10 times lower power consumption during regular Bluetooth connection and a 50-fold decrease in power-draw during Bluetooth data transfers.

The shipment is expected to start later in 2008.