X

Nokia phones' Bluetooth 4.0 update reportedly on the way

Bluetooth may seem passe, but an update to version 4.0 will give Nokia phones a lot more heft behind the scenes.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
See full bio
Jessica Dolcourt
Nokia Lumia 1020
Nokia phones like the Lumia 1020 could see a Bluetooth upgrade that will do quite a bit. Sarah Tew/CNET

Nokia could give its smartphones like the Lumia 1020 a Bluetooth boost, from version 3.0 of the wireless technology to Bluetooth 4.0.

Related stories

According to sources cited by The Verge, the Finnish phone maker is readying a software update that will sweep many of its higher-end Lumia devices, turning on Bluetooth 4.0 capability that resides within the chipset.

Compare other top phones like the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4, and HTC One, and the just-announced Lumia 1020 stands out for being the only one of the pack with Bluetooth 3.0.

Bluetooth may seem like a blah update, but there's a lot that this short-range communications technology can enable, like one-touch pairing with a range of devices and accessories, including Fitbits.

Bluetooth Low Energy, also known as BLE, is also seeing new and exciting implementations, like powering up this very cool electronic key for your home's front door.

It's likely that Nokia will build BLE capabilities into its own accessories as well. Keep an eye out for an update later this month, which should also include minor Windows Phone 8 tweaks to enhance pre-existing apps.

Watch this: Kevo makes your phone your front door key

Mobile Guides

Phones
Foldable Phones
Headphones
Mobile Accessories
Smartwatches
Wireless Plans
Mobile coupons