Bluetooth Logo PNG
In a world full of emblems, we sometimes forget that behind them is a long and sometimes incredible history. An example is the Bluetooth logo. It has become so closely intertwined with modern life that we don’t notice its presence, even if we use this technology daily. Its unique symbol is a given that simply exists, like air, sun, or water…
Bluetooth: Brand overview
Bluetooth is a technology for wireless signal transmission within a small radius. Its data exchange functionality works on stationary equipment and most mobile devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, consoles, and other gadgets. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group developed the standard and launched it in the spring of 1998.
In 1989, Ericsson Mobile’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Nils Rydbeck, initiated a study to explore the development of an affordable radio interface between mobile phones and their peripherals, marking the beginning of Bluetooth’s history. The concept arose from the inconvenience of using wired connections between devices.
In 1994, Jaap Haartsen from Ericsson began developing technology to create a wireless solution to replace the commonly used RS-232 cables.
The name “Bluetooth” emerged in 1997. Jim Kardach from Intel proposed the name after reading a book about Vikings. Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, a 10th-century king of Denmark, united various Danish tribes under one kingdom. This idea of unification fits the new technology that aims to connect different devices. The Bluetooth logo combines Scandinavian runes representing Harald Bluetooth’s initials.
In 1998, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed. Its founding members included Toshiba, IBM, Ericsson, Intel, and Nokia. They aimed to create an open standard for short-range wireless communication to replace cable connections.
The first version of this wireless communication standard, 1.0, was released in 1999. It outlined the basic architecture and use cases. However, this version had significant compatibility issues between devices from different manufacturers.
The first compatible consumer electronics, including headsets and computer adapters, were introduced in 2000. That same year, version 1.1 was released, addressing many of the compatibility problems of the original version.
In 2002, version 1.2 was released, introducing Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) to improve compatibility with other wireless technologies operating in the same frequency range.
In 2004, version 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) was introduced, significantly increasing data transfer speeds to 3 Mbps and expanding the technology’s potential uses.
The release of version 2.1+EDR in 2007 marked a major milestone. This version introduced Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), which streamlined the pairing process and improved security.
In 2009, version 3.0+HS (High Speed) was unveiled, allowing for potential data transfer rates of up to 24 Mbps by utilizing Wi-Fi for high-speed data transfer.
In 2010, version 4.0 was released, introducing Low Energy (BLE), designed for low-power devices like wearables and sensors. BLE opened new possibilities for wireless Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
In 2013, version 4.1 was introduced, improving support for IoT and enhancing coexistence with LTE networks.
Version 4.2 was released in 2014, significantly boosting BLE functionality with improved data rates, privacy features to prevent device tracking, and enhanced packet size.
In 2016, version 5.0 debuted, offering four times the range and twice the speed of the previous version. This upgrade expanded BLE’s capabilities for larger industrial and smart home IoT projects.
In 2017, mesh networking technology was introduced, enabling the connection of multiple wireless devices, which proved useful for smart lighting and building control systems.
In 2019, version 5.1 was released, introducing direction-finding capabilities and making accurate indoor positioning systems possible.
Version 5.2, which supports LE Audio, was launched in 2020. This improved audio devices’ power efficiency and sound quality.
By 2023, this wireless standard had become one of the most widely used technologies globally, present in billions of devices, from smartphones and computers to industrial sensors and medical equipment. The technology continues to evolve, focusing on improving energy efficiency, increasing data transfer speeds, and expanding IoT capabilities.
Over its more than 20 years of development, wireless communication technology has evolved from a simple cable replacement into a universal communication standard that plays a key role in shaping modern technology and the digital world.
Meaning and History
Names with a history intrigue and attract attention. This idea immediately came to the minds of the creators of wireless connection technology. Therefore, they unanimously decided to settle on a word that was the name of a working project. It was proposed in 1997 by Intel engineer Jim Kardach. After meeting Sven Mattisson from Ericsson in a local pub over a pint of beer, he became interested in King Harald Bluetooth, whom his conversation partner told him about after reading the book “The Longships.”
Upon returning home, Kardach learned that this ruler had once united disparate territories into a single country, establishing connections between them. This technology has followed a similar path. Initially, it was conceived as a replacement for wires that stretch everywhere and get tangled underfoot. It then grew into a high standard capable of boasting enormous capabilities. The system connects computers to printers, phones to cars, etc. Thus, the associative connection between Emperor Harald, who united armies, and the cutting-edge connection technology that links various devices can be traced.
In other words, the Bluetooth brand is known not only for its unique name and progressive functionality but also for the deep thread between its hidden meaning and real capabilities. The name, already thousands of years old, still conveys a sense of ancient historical heritage, as it is not just a copied term. It infuses meaning into the existence of the technology company and demonstrates its high working abilities. The people behind such a name wanted to think outside the box, as they even encrypted it in the logo, which is nothing more than signs borrowed from magical runes.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a modern wireless communication standard between digital devices for transmitting and receiving various files. The technology developer is the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. The time of implementation is 1998.
1994 – 2016
The Bluetooth emblem consists of a graphic image and printed text. The designers borrowed the first letter from the name to combine the entire corporate identity into a single whole. They inadvertently invested enormous meaning into the symbolism – as deep and ancient as the brand name itself. Therefore, we observe complete conceptual unity of the drawn and verbal elements here.
The similarity to “B” is not the only thing the logo authors sought. The graphic symbol consists of two triangles placed above each other, directly resembling the initial letter of the wireless connection technology name. But what about the protruding “antennas”? On the left are indeed the antennas of a communication receiver drawn. Moreover, it is a disguised rune “H,” which harmoniously complements the runic “B.” Both glyphs are part of the Younger Futhark and are called Bjarkan (ᛒ) and Hagall (ᚼ). They convey the name and nickname of the 10th-century Danish king, Harald Bluetooth Gormsson.
It remains unknown why he was nicknamed “blue-toothed. “Some historians mention a tooth affected by caries, while others speak of the king’s love for blueberries, a forest berry that leaves a dark blue trail. Regardless, one of these factors led to the appearance of the word “Bluetooth,” which later became the name of the advanced communication standard and the basis of its logo. The background of the geometric figure is a vertical oval.
2016 – today
The Bluetooth logo is one of the most recognizable images in the world of technology. It combines symbolism and history related to data transmission. The logo hasn’t undergone significant changes, but its color has become lighter, giving it a fresh and modern look. The background is now closer to light blue than the dark blue it used to be. This shift can be seen as a move toward ease and simplicity in perception, which is important for technologies that should be convenient and seamless in everyday life.
The Bluetooth symbol represents the initials of King Harald Bluetooth, after whom the technology was named. Harald united the scattered tribes of Scandinavia, just as Bluetooth connects devices, making the symbol technological and historical.
The font remains strict and simple. The black text and the softer blue background create a harmonious and contrasting image. This font underscores the technology’s reliability and stability, which are essential for data transmission and wireless connectivity.
The emblem conveys the technology’s simplicity, clarity, and universality that allows devices and people to be connected. The shift in the symbol’s shade reflects the evolution of the technology, which is becoming lighter, faster, and easier to use each passing year.
Font and Colors
The Bluetooth emblem features the Gothic Medium Condensed typeface – a grotesque, bold font created by typographer Steve Jackaman and first published by Red Rooster. The letters’ thick lines and narrow contours also resemble glyphs from the Neue Plak Condensed Bold font.
The color palette of the logo, of course, is blue, as indicated in the name. If the icon is white, the oval is painted in this color. Alternatively, the blue design is placed on a neutral white background. The inscription is usually black. Together, they symbolize seriousness, professionalism, reliability, and confidence in the future.
