Bluetooth SIG Announces Architecture, Tools To Enable Cloud Communication Without Smartphone

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group announced a new architecture and supporting set of tools that enable developers to create Internet gateways for Bluetooth products. The Bluetooth Internet gateway architecture and toolkit show developers, manufacturers, OEMs and others how to create a connection between Bluetooth and the cloud without the need for a smartphone or tablet as a go-between, said the group. It called the latest Bluetooth communication capability a way to control sensors "regardless of proximity.” Bluetooth gateways allow any Bluetooth sensor to relay data to the cloud and back again, and the architecture gives users the ability to monitor and control fixed Bluetooth sensors from a remote location, said the industry group. Examples include controlling lights while on vacation or unlocking a door for a pet sitter, it said. Consumers aren’t satisfied with current connected home capabilities, said Steve Hegenderfer, Bluetooth SIG director-developer programs. The Bluetooth Internet gateway architecture allows routers, thermostats, security systems -- the always on, always connected infrastructure in the home -- to speak to and control low-power sensors and relay that information to the cloud for control from “anywhere,” he said. The Bluetooth gateway starter kit can be downloaded at Bluetooth.com.