When it comes to location tracking, you may encounter the terms Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). There is another way to track or locate things, which is called GPS, but let’s focus more on the two: Bluetooth vs Ultra-Wideband.
So, what’s the difference between Bluetooth and UWB when it comes to location tracking? Let’s find out.
What is Bluetooth
Bluetooth has been widely used in tracking location of things you may have misplaced. However, it comes with limitations. It can only track within short ranges. You need to connect to your mobile device to use Bluetooth. At the same time, it offers a slower rate of data transmission, hence not as efficient when transferring large files.
The plus side is, Bluetooth uses less battery, so it will not consume a lot of power from your device. It can even be powered by button cell batteries and is low maintenance.
It is ideal if you are looking for things that are within close proximity of your device. In addition, almost all smartphones are Bluetooth-enabled.
What is Ultra-Wideband or UWB
Ultra-Wideband is a newer tracking technology integrated in some of the latest smartphones. One of the main advantages of UWB is accuracy. It offers more precise tracking of the things you are looking for and shows it on your mobile device, so you can get the actual location.
Plus, it has greater range than Bluetooth. It also operates at a higher frequency so there are lesser chances of signal interference.
Unfortunately, UWB uses a lot of power so it easily drains your device’s battery. It also does not have an existing infrastructure and is not accessible and used by many.
Conclusion
Both Bluetooth and UWB are great for short-range location tracking. Despite being comparable, their difference may be a significant influence on the user, depending on their current need.
