Bluetooth adds optional HDT feature with maximum bit rate of 7.5 Mbps

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has unveiled High Data Throughput (HDT), an optional addition to the approved Bluetooth Core 7.0 specifications. The group said the feature will support a maximum bit rate of 7.5 Mbps, nearly four times the throughput of Bluetooth LE 2M PHY technology.

HDT adds a physical layer intended to let Bluetooth LE devices exchange more data over an existing connection. According to the SIG, improved spectral efficiency will also allow devices to carry more information without requiring additional wireless resources.

The group expects benefits beyond transfer speed. Moving data more quickly should let radio transmitters spend longer in low-power states, improving energy efficiency. HDT is also expected to make connections more resilient and performance more consistent in demanding environments.

The SIG forecasts that HDT-enabled products will begin arriving in 2027. Premium wireless audio peripherals are likely to be among the earliest uses, with headsets and other audio equipment expected to gain efficiency without relying on non-standard communications.

Other anticipated applications include immersive and spatial computing, AI-powered devices and industrial wireless systems. Wearables and smart home products are also among the connected devices expected to benefit from the higher transfer rates.