The winds of change in wireless connectivity

Researchers have achieved a notable breakthrough in personal device connectivity by introducing a method that outperforms Bluetooth regarding energy efficiency. This innovative technology uses less power and promises to enhance the battery longevity of various tech accessories, such as earbuds and fitness trackers. Envisioning its future applications, this breakthrough could lead to high-tech scenarios such as using gesture-based controls to interact with smart store and home systems or enabling augmented reality interfaces to exchange information with a simple point or wave towards an object.

At the University of Sussex, a team of researchers has innovated a more energy-conservative method for data transmission, poised to eclipse Bluetooth in mobile phones and other technological devices potentially. Smartphones and wearable technology are becoming increasingly prevalent nowadays, and this development offers a more efficient means of linking our devices, thereby boosting battery performance.

This advancement could dramatically alter how we interact with our environment when applied to wearable technology. For instance, it might enable seamless initiation of payment transactions by simply tapping a smartwatch against a payment terminal or effortlessly connecting fitness devices with gym equipment for synchronized workout tracking.

But first of all, let’s remember the milestones of wireless connectivity:

• 1927: First commercial radiotelephone service between Britain and the US.
• 1950s: TD-2, the first terrestrial microwave telecommunication system, is installed.
• 1962: Launch of Telstar, the first communication satellite.
• 1968: DARPA selects BBN to develop ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet.
• 1970: FCC allocates 75MHz for common carrier cellular systems.
• 1983: First commercial cellular systems began operating in Chicago and Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Motorola introduced the DynaTAC mobile phone.
• 1992: World’s first commercial text message is sent.
• 1996: IBM’s Simon, the first smartphone, is released.
• 1998: Introduction of the first "bucket" of minutes plan and development of Bluetooth technology.
• 1999: Adoption of Wi-Fi® brand based on IEEE 802.11 specifications.
• 2007: Launch of the iPhone, leading to significant handset innovation.
• 2010: Introduction of the first 4G handset and the FCC’s National Broadband Plan proposing an allocation of 500MHz of spectrum for commercial use by 2020.
• 2020s: We are discussing beyond Bluetooth.

Researchers’ approach

In their pursuit of innovation, the researchers have shifted their focus to using electric waves instead of electromagnetic waves, aiming for a low-power solution for data transmission over short distances. This approach ensures high data throughput, crucial for multimedia applications, while significantly reducing power consumption.

The current standards like Bluetooth, WiFi, and 5G are based on electromagnetic modulation technology, a concept that dates back over 125 years. Initially, the goal was to transmit data over long distances using electromagnetic waves. However, the new method of electric field modulation differs fundamentally in that it utilizes short-range electric waves, which are markedly more power-efficient than Bluetooth.

Considering that our personal devices are usually within close range, electric field modulation emerges as a highly effective technique for device connectivity. This method demonstrates a substantial improvement in efficiency, leading to extended battery life for a variety of uses, including streaming music to headphones, handling calls, monitoring fitness through trackers, and operating smart home technologies.

Destination: Efficiency in data transfer

This innovative development stands to transform our daily use of technology, paving the way for a host of futuristic applications. Imagine a world where a bracelet equipped with this technology allows for the exchange of phone numbers with a simple handshake, or a door that unlocks with just a touch of its handle. These scenarios, once the stuff of science fiction, are now within reach thanks to this breakthrough.

The research team's lead has highlighted a significant shift from electromagnetic modulation, known for its high power consumption. By adopting electric field modulation, there is a feasible opportunity to enhance the battery life of various devices, including wearable technology and home assistants. This streamlines our daily lives and unlocks new, exciting ways to interact with devices in our smart homes.

What makes this technology even more appealing is its cost-effectiveness, suggesting a swift and widespread adoption is possible. The potential for mass production means this solution could be condensed into a single, inexpensive chip, making it a viable addition to all types of devices in the near future.

The team is actively seeking partnerships in the industry to refine further and miniaturize this technology, making it ideally suited for a wide array of personal devices.