In episode 140 of the THD Podcast, Daniel Knighten from Audio Precision joins the discussion. AP has some new gear to test BT5 products. However, this discussion is mostly about the mass confusion that has been around the BT 5 technology launch.

The launch of Bluetooth 5 created widespread confusion because its core features are optional, meaning a device can be certified as “Bluetooth 5” without actually supporting its highly advertised speed or range improvements. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) outlines what is possible with the standard rather than what is mandatory for hardware implementation. This fragmentation left consumers frustrated by unmet expectations and placed the burden on brands to decipher and communicate complex feature checklists.

Further, the lack of adoption by Tx devices, namely the iPhone, creates a scenario where end users are buying earbuds but are not getting the performance upgrades promised by BT5.