Background
On November 4, 2022, Huawei's newly established StarFlash Alliance, which has been in existence for nearly two years, unveiled its own communication standard—StarFlash Wireless Short-Range Communication 1.0, leading a new trend in the wireless communication field. This standard includes two modes: basic access and low-power access, providing devices with flexible and diverse connection methods. The flexible channel design allows StarFlash to operate in extremely low-power modes according to the actual needs of the device, improving the battery life of small wireless devices or reducing their size.
On August 4, 2023, Huawei shook the HDC conference by unveiling a new generation of short-range wireless connectivity technology: StarFlash NearLink. The birth of this technology stems from endless exploration and innovation in the era of ubiquitous connectivity. StarFlash NearLink not only redefines short-range wireless communication but also brings personalized and diversified connectivity experiences to users. Similar to traditional Bluetooth technology, but completely revolutionizing in its implementation, it has driven a new revolution in wireless communication with its ultimate innovation and user experience.
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of the emerging StarFlash technology compared to traditional Bluetooth technology?
1.Transmission speed:
StarFlash: StarFlash offers a transmission speed of up to 900Mbps, significantly surpassing the transmission speed of traditional Bluetooth. For scenarios requiring high-speed transmission of large amounts of data, such as 4K or 8K video streaming, and large-scale gaming, StarFlash holds a clear advantage.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth has a transmission speed of up to 24Mbps, although far behind StarFlash, it is sufficient to meet most daily life needs, such as music playback, phone calls, etc.
2.Coverage range:
StarFlash: StarFlash has a coverage range of approximately 600 meters, twice that of Bluetooth. This means that within the transmission range of StarFlash, users can move more freely without worrying about signal interruptions or connection failures. Such extended coverage range gives StarFlash an advantage in many scenarios, such as outdoor sports, large-scale event venues, or vast public areas. This wide coverage range provides users with a broader communication and connection space, allowing them to enjoy the convenience and fun brought by various wireless technologies more conveniently.
Bluetooth: The coverage range of Bluetooth is between 20-300 meters outdoors and approximately 10 meters indoors. Although smaller than StarFlash, Bluetooth technology has demonstrated extremely high stability and reliability in practical applications.
3.Device compatibility:
StarFlash: As an emerging wireless technology, the number of devices currently supporting StarFlash is relatively limited. Even smartphones or computers compatible with StarFlash require upgrading to the latest operating system to function properly.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth technology has been developed for many years, and almost all smartphones, computers, and tablets support Bluetooth. Additionally, most peripherals such as headphones, speakers, mice, and keyboards available in the market also support Bluetooth.
4.Latency and Stability:
StarFlash: StarFlash has very low latency, achieving a minimum of 20 microseconds, marking the first time human wireless connectivity has entered the microsecond level. It performs excellently in scenarios such as video calls and gaming. Additionally, StarFlash also features low power consumption, allowing for extended usage.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth has a minimum latency of around 10 to 15 milliseconds, higher than StarFlash. However, in practical usage, Bluetooth demonstrates better stability. For example, in indoor environments, even with walls or other obstacles, Bluetooth connections do not experience significant fluctuations.
5.Security:
StarFlash: StarFlash utilizes the latest security protocols and encryption technologies to effectively safeguard the security of transmitted data. Additionally, StarFlash supports connections with multiple devices, enabling users to seamlessly switch between devices.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth also employs various security measures to protect data transmission, such as AES encryption and authentication mechanisms. However, compared to StarFlash, Bluetooth's security may be slightly inferior.
6.Cost:
StarFlash: As an emerging wireless technology, the hardware cost of StarFlash devices is relatively high. This could be a significant factor hindering the widespread adoption of StarFlash in the short term.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth technology is already very mature, and hardware costs are relatively low. Therefore, in terms of cost, Bluetooth has a clear advantage.
Overall, both StarFlash and Bluetooth have their own advantages, disadvantages, and suitable scenarios. In the future, these two technologies may learn from each other and merge for further development. Let us look forward to seeing how these wireless technologies will play increasingly important roles in our lives.
With the widespread interest sparked by the outstanding performance of StarFlash technology, many are eagerly anticipating firsthand experiences. Regarding StarFlash modules, according to the latest information, Shenzhen QOGRISYS Technology Co., Ltd. will soon release StarFlash modules. QOGRISYS, as a comprehensive IoT solution provider, offers a diverse product line to meet the varied demands of the IoT market. QOGRISYS'S product line covers WIFI, BT, WIFI HaLow, Nearlink, as well as IOT/AIOT, PLC, Cellular, and more to address the needs of different scenarios. We believe everyone will be able to confidently choose the suitable module according to their product requirements.
We also welcome everyone to follow us, and we will bring you more detailed information about StarFlash modules as soon as they go online. Stay tuned for updates.
