There tends to be a lot of confusion between BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and ANT+. We aim to provide some clarity on the subject here. Here are some quick Mythbusters to get started:
ANT+
- ANT+ is not Bluetooth but does use wireless technology
- Can connect to multiple devices
e.g. Connecting/pairing one ANT+ device with another ANT+ tracker allows the tracker to be visible to other nearby devices. - The connection tends to be unreliable
- Limited devices with ANT+
- Owned and policed by Garmin
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
- Devices are invisible when paired
- Work as a 1 to 1 connection
- A very wide variety of devices with BLE
- Specifications freely available on bluetooth.com
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