The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced the formal adoption of Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0, with the hallmark feature, low energy technology. This final step in the adoption process signals to Bluetooth SIG members that the Bluetooth SIG Qualification Program is now open for qualification of all Bluetooth product types to the Version 4.0 Specification.

“The finalization of Bluetooth low energy wireless technology within the Core Specification is a monumental achievement,” said Michael Foley, executive director, Bluetooth SIG, in a statement. “Bluetooth wireless technology can now, with the hard work of our members and our world-class qualification program, really do it all.”

Members can visit Bluetooth.org and Bluetooth.com to download specification details from the Adopted Specifications web page. Test documentation, including requirements and tools to support member qualification efforts, is available on the member site as well.

The SIG hopes that the new low-energy specification will lead to new Bluetooth use cases in health care, sports and fitness, security and home entertainment. The new technology will allow Bluetooth devices to run for years on standard coin-cell batteries. The new specification also features enhanced range and multi-vendor interoperability.