The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) add a new capability to the wireless connectivity standard-- mesh networking, enabling many-to-many (m:m) capability and the creation of large-scale device networks.

The technology is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 and higher, and operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). It is ideal for building automation, sensor networks and other Internet of Things (IoT) applications involving tens, hundreds or even thousands or devices. According to the SIG, Bluetooth-based mesh networks are inherently self-healing, with no single point of failure, scalable to thousands of nodes and include "industrial-grade" security.

In addition Bluetooth offers global interoperability, since multi-vendor interoperability testing is conducted during the specification development process, not after the release of the specification.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announces the USB 3.2 specification-- an incremental update defining multi-lane operation for USB 3.2 hosts and devices, allowing for faster communications over USB-C cables.

The update allows USB 3.2 devices to handle up to two traffic lanes of 5Gbps or two lanes of 10Gbps operation. As a result, a USB 3.2 host connected to a USB 3.2 storage device is capable of data transfers reaching over 2GB/s over an existing USB-C cable certified for Super Speed USB 10Gbps.

In addition, USB 3.2 continues to use existing SuperSpeed USB physical layer data rates and encoding techniques, while a minor hub specification update addresses the increase in performance for seamless transition between single and two-lane operation.

Global Caché announces Global Connect-- a line high performance networking hardware connecting infrared, serial, contact closure and sensor input to wifi networks, wired TCP/IP networks and HTTP web-based applications.

Installers can further increase Global Connect device functionality by adding local computing power via on-board Raspberry Pi (Linux), on-board HDMI switching and advanced and more powerful relay applications.

“Global Connect is the result of 15 years of experience serving and listening to dealers and installers all over the world," the company says. "Global Connect delivers an innovative solution that integrators need to remain flexible and competitive in this quickly changing and expanding industry. We can now provide a cost-effective, yet unique product suitable for each individual job regardless of the type of controller or control app being used, or scale of the project.”

Extron announces the IPCP Pro 360-- a control processor with three dedicated AV LAN ports and one standard ethernet port, designed to control local AV devices and safeguard them from outside intrusion or interference.

The processor provides PoE+ to external devices, eliminating the need for additional power supplies. It features security standards and gigabit ethernet ports, ensuring compatibility with multiple TouchLinkPro touchpanels using a standard network infrastructure. Meanwhile use with Extron LinkLicense further enhances the capabilities of Extron Pro series control systems.

“This new IPCP Pro 360 is our first control processor that provides the convenience of PoE+ to external devices," Extron says. "It’s exciting to watch our Pro Series control processors evolve—now combining multiple AV LAN ports with PoE+ output to an already robust control platform, this new IPCP Pro 360 delivers what customers want and the security they need."

Atlona starts shipping the AT-HDR-M2C-- an audio converter designed for the residential or commercial playback of multi-channel source content via displays, distributed audio systems and whole-house audio systems.

A successor to the Atlona AT-HD-M2C and AT-UHD-M2C-BAL, the ATR-HDR-M2C extracts, decodes and downmixes multi-channel PCM, Dolby and DTS audio from HDMI sources, and delivers stereo downmixed audio over HDMI, analog unbalanced audio and TOSLINK digital audio outputs. It also simultaneously pass through the HDMI input with no downmixing.

The AT-HDR-M2C is compatible with HDMI signals up to 4K/UHD at 60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling, and supports HDR10 plus other HDR formats. It handles HDMI data rates up to 18Gbps and is HDCP 2.2 compliant.

TP-Link presents HomeCare-- a networking security solution featuring built-in Trend Micro antivirus control, dynamic security features and customisable parental controls.

Available as a firmware update for select TP-Link products (namely the recently announced Deco M5 Whole-Home Wifi System and Archer C5400, C3150 and C2300 routers), HomeCare promises an all-in-one solution combining speed with comprehensive security features. An intrusion prevention system protects against malware and hackers, while malicious site blocking prevents access to dodgy websits from within the network.

An additional security layer quarantines previously infested devices joining the network, and provides instant warnings for users to take necessary steps to fix infected devices. Trend Micro should also keep the system up to date with regular updates, ensuring the network remains protected against new threats.