What is UWB The fast connection that will replace Bluetooth and how to activate it on your phone
We’re all familiar with Bluetooth, and while we no longer use it as much as we used to for transferring files between mobile phones, it’s still one of the main connections that power relationships between devices today. Whether it’s connecting helmets or smart gadgets, sharing the internet or enabling location tools, Bluetooth is still very much alive, but UWB technology is increasingly offering more useful uses for operators and technology companies.
UWB stands for Ultra Wideband, a technology that works in a similar way to Bluetooth but, in its case, has a much wider range of frequencies to operate on. Compared to the 900MHz to 5.1GHz spectrum that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi typically operate in, UWB sends low-power radio pulses in the 3.1 to 10.6GHz frequency range.
Because of its bandwidth of up to 7 GHz, this technology is called ultra-wideband, and it is capable of transmitting much more information in less time than Bluetooth. In contrast, UWB can transmit information over multiple channels, each of which can have a bandwidth of more than 500 MHz.
Its main advantages are, therefore, greater speed, high accuracy in measuring distances between devices and very low latency, where information can be transmitted from one point at high speed without being interrupted or delayed. Its signal is also more effective in avoiding interference caused by certain materials. It also highlights its low power consumption and high security of its communications, which are not easy to intercept by hackers.
The strange thing is that this technology is not new at all. It was in the middle of the last century when it was developed and started to be used. So, if UWB has so many advantages, why is it not better known to the general public? Why is it not used more on smartphones or computers? Well, specifically, the little use that this technology has been given so far will soon change.
The new era of Internet of Things (IoT) that we are gradually entering will change the use of UWB. The increasing number of devices around us connected to the cloud makes it necessary for communications between them to be fast and reliable.
In this context, some manufacturers are dusting off this UWB technology to integrate it into their products. For example, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra is the first Samsung phone to include a UWB chip. Starting in 2020, the South Korean company began installing this technology in all of its flagship phones. This mobile phone uses UWB for the Near Share function, through which it can send files such as high-quality photos or videos to other nearby Android phones. This is something similar to the iPhone's AirDrop (which uses Bluetooth).
On the other hand, car companies like Volkswagen, BMW or Tesla are integrating UWB into their cars so that smartphones can be used as digital keys.
- UWB is gradually entering our devices.
These are Apple's AirTags , for example, which since 2019 have made it possible to locate suitcases or bags to which we attach the device. Also Samsung's Galaxy SmartTags, although they use UWB in conjunction with Bluetooth technology.
Google, for its part, is also considering gradually introducing UWB technology to Android phones. Its Pixel phone already includes it in the 8 Pro model, and the official Android Developers account on YouTube uploaded a video last year showing the capabilities of this technology for its mobile operating system
- How to activate UWB on your phone if it has it
In fact, if your phone has it, it is now possible to activate this ultra-wideband on new Android phones, just by going to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Ultra Wideband at the bottom of the list. Other major brands like Oppo, Xiaomi, or LG are also working on including this technology.
The introduction of automation into homes, leading to the emergence of so-called “connected homes” or “smart homes,” could also benefit from this technology, acting as an alternative to keys to open the door of the house. Devices such as speakers, smart TVs, and smartphones will be able to quickly connect using UWB.