Core Points - The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially announced the new Bluetooth 6.1 standard in early May 2025, marking one of the fastest updates in recent years, with only an 8-month gap since the release of Bluetooth 6.0 in September 2024 [1][3] - Bluetooth 6.1 serves primarily as a "security patch" for Bluetooth 6.0, addressing potential privacy concerns related to enhanced device location capabilities, without requiring new hardware or significantly improving user experience [3][10] - The rapid updates and lack of consumer awareness highlight a disconnect between Bluetooth standards and hardware advancements, leading to a perception of Bluetooth as an "invisible" technology in consumer electronics [3][4][10] Industry Analysis - The relationship between Bluetooth standards and hardware has become increasingly unclear, with many devices not fully utilizing the latest standards due to firmware limitations [6][9] - The emphasis on Bluetooth version numbers by manufacturers often correlates with unreliable products, contributing to consumer indifference towards Bluetooth versioning when purchasing devices [9][10] - The confusion surrounding Bluetooth's evolving functionalities has led to a lack of clear communication to consumers, making it difficult for them to recognize the benefits of newer standards [10][13] Market Trends - The shift towards proprietary Bluetooth protocols in the consumer market indicates a growing trend where manufacturers create their own enhancements to differentiate products, overshadowing the official Bluetooth standards [15][17] - Despite SIG's commitment to a more stable update schedule of every two years, the ongoing challenges in addressing both professional and consumer needs may hinder the influence of Bluetooth standards in the market [17]