A new version of Bluetooth wireless technology could expand what can be done with watches, home sensors, medical monitors, toys and other devices that have been limited in their functions because they don’t get their batteries changed or charged very often.

The industry group behind the Bluetooth standard announced that chips for the new, low-energy version of Bluetooth will be ready later this year and will likely show up in consumer products by the holidays.

“It’s going to enable an entirely new market for Bluetooth and allow it to be used in a category of products that Bluetooth just couldn’t be used in before,” said Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group.

Products with existing Bluetooth chips will not be compatible with the new standard of chips, according to Foley.