It’s been a long time coming, but the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has finally released Bluetooth 5, the new version of the protocol that brings significant range and bandwidth improvements, as well as the new mesh networking features that will allow Bluetooth to challenge the likes of Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread in emerging IoT markets. With around 92% consumer awareness, Bluetooth is likely only second to WiFi when it comes to brand visibility. It has a major advantage here over rival radio protocols, thanks to this consumer familiarity, and assuming the SIG’s messaging is on point, Bluetooth 5 and its mesh capabilities should enjoy considerable success in the smart home. As long as smartphones continue to function as the…