Bluetooth 5.4: Key Features, Enhancements, and Benefits Explained

Bluetooth technology has transformed how we connect devices, especially in the realm of audio devices and headphones. Every new release improves upon security, efficiency, and connectivity, meeting the growing demands of modern applications and devices. Bluetooth 5.3 introduced a series of important updates, yet Bluetooth 5.4, released in February 2023, takes these advancements further.

It’s especially appealing for applications needing large-scale device communication like IoT networks but it also offers critical improvements that enhance the performance and security of consumer electronics, including wireless headphones.

In this article, we’ll cover the main features of Bluetooth 5.4, how it differs from Bluetooth 5.3, and the pros and cons of each version. We’ll also discuss what these updates mean for audio devices, especially headphones, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Key Features of Bluetooth 5.4

Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR)

One of Bluetooth 5.4’s standout features is Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR). This capability allows for bidirectional communication in a connectionless mode, meaning an access point can efficiently communicate with multiple low-power nodes. For IoT applications like Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) in retail, PAwR is crucial it allows a single device to communicate with thousands of ESL tags simultaneously without the need for individual connections. Read our guide to Is SoundPEATS a Good Brand?.

While PAwR is geared toward large networks of IoT devices, the potential applications in headphones and audio broadcasting systems are notable. In crowded environments, it could allow headphones to connect with multiple audio sources or make better use of limited frequency space, though it’s yet to be widely implemented in consumer audio.

Encrypted Advertising Data

Bluetooth 5.4’s encryption of advertising data marks a significant step forward for secure Bluetooth communication, especially for connectionless scenarios. By encrypting data even when not connected, Bluetooth 5.4 offers enhanced data confidentiality and integrity, essential in situations where sensitive information might be exchanged. Read our guide to Is TOZO a Good Brand?

For headphones, this means that data privacy is strengthened even before a full connection is established, protecting information from potential interference.

LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic (SLC)

Bluetooth 5.4 introduces the LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic (SLC), a feature allowing devices to determine required security levels upfront. This eliminates the delay caused by repeated security negotiations when pairing, which in turn enhances user experience.

For headphones, SLC could mean faster pairing times and a more streamlined connection process, particularly beneficial for devices that switch between multiple connections, such as smartphones, computers, and TVs.

Advertising Coding Selection

Another addition in Bluetooth 5.4 is Advertising Coding Selection, which gives the host the option to select the coding scheme either S=2 for faster data rates or S=8 for extended range based on application requirements. In audio devices, especially those that require seamless connectivity over longer distances, this feature allows manufacturers to tailor Bluetooth performance to suit specific use cases.

For example, wireless headphones in an open space might prioritize range over speed, while those used in compact environments could favor faster data rates. Read our guide to All 15 Different Types of Headphones.

Key Differences Between Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth 5.4

While Bluetooth 5.4 introduces several new features, many of Bluetooth 5.3’s core enhancements remain.

Here’s how the two versions differ in practical terms:

Connection Subrating

Bluetooth 5.3 brought in Connection Subrating, which allows devices to rapidly switch between low-duty and high-duty cycles. This means that devices can optimize their power consumption according to demand, a feature that Bluetooth 5.4 retains. Read our guide on What is aptX?

For headphones, this results in better battery efficiency, as the device can reduce power use during low-activity periods, extending playback time.

Channel Classification Enhancement

Bluetooth 5.3 introduced Channel Classification Enhancement for adaptive frequency hopping, allowing more frequent updates to avoid crowded or noisy channels.

Both Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth 5.4 use this feature, which is crucial for headphones in environments with multiple wireless signals, like offices or busy public places. It helps maintain consistent, high-quality audio by avoiding interference, providing a more stable listening experience.

Encryption Key Size Control Enhancement

The Encryption Key Size Control Enhancement in Bluetooth 5.3, retained in Bluetooth 5.4, allows the host to set a minimum key size for encryption negotiations, ensuring higher security standards. This is especially important for devices that handle sensitive information.

Although it might not be a make-or-break feature for headphones, the added security is beneficial for Bluetooth in general, particularly when these devices are used with smartphones and tablets that store personal information.

Pros and Cons of Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth 5.3

How Bluetooth 5.4 and 5.3 Affect Headphones and Audio Devices

Although Bluetooth 5.4’s most notable features cater to IoT and connectionless communication applications, it still offers advantages for audio devices, particularly headphones:

• Enhanced Security for Personal Devices: With Bluetooth 5.4’s advertising encryption and SLC, headphones benefit from stronger security even during initial connection and discovery. This is important for users concerned about data privacy, especially when using headphones with smartphones and tablets.
• Better Power Management: Both Bluetooth 5.3 and 5.4 retain Connection Subrating, supporting longer battery life for headphones by managing power consumption based on activity. This can be especially useful in true wireless earbuds where battery life is a crucial factor.
• Reduced Signal Interference: Channel Classification Enhancement, present in both versions, helps headphones maintain a consistent connection by avoiding crowded channels, ensuring smooth audio streaming even in wireless-dense environments.

While Bluetooth 5.4 brings advanced features, the improvements are largely applicable to scalable IoT environments rather than audio-specific upgrades. Nevertheless, these features add security and adaptability for audio users, and as adoption grows, headphones and audio devices will likely leverage these improvements in new and innovative ways. Read our guide on What is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Conclusion

Bluetooth 5.4’s release brings substantial improvements in scalability, security, and data management, expanding on Bluetooth 5.3’s focus on power efficiency and connection reliability. While Bluetooth 5.4 is particularly useful for large IoT applications like Electronic Shelf Labels, it also brings valuable upgrades to personal audio devices.

Bluetooth 5.4’s security enhancements, in particular, help make headphones and other personal devices more secure and reliable in increasingly connected environments. With each new release, Bluetooth technology continues to bridge the gap between IoT connectivity and consumer-grade convenience, shaping the future of wireless communication across a multitude of applications.

FAQs

References

• https://www.bluetooth.com/bluetooth-resources/whats-new-in-bluetooth-v5-4-an-overview/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth