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China’s homegrown wireless technology, Star Flash, is making waves as a powerful alternative to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Developed by the SparkLink Alliance—a group of hundreds of Chinese developers and manufacturers, including Huawei—Star Flash promises to revolutionize wireless communication with its speed, efficiency, and capacity. The technology began commercialization in 2023 and recently hit a milestone with its integration into universal remote controls, which was approved in December 2024.
Star Flash (formerly called NearLink) delivers significant improvements over traditional wireless protocols. It offers 60% lower power consumption, is six times faster, and reduces latency to one-thirtieth of current standards. It also supports ten times the number of simultaneous device connections compared to existing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options.
Qogrisys, a Chinese IoT hardware vendor, described Star Flash as a major step forward. Star Flash reportedly incorporates ideas used in 5G networks and is capable of lossless audio transmission.
The technology’s first major application is universal remote controls capable of seamlessly operating multiple devices. China’s Electronics Video Industry Association recently standardized these remotes, setting clear requirements for their capabilities. According to the new standard, universal remotes must support voice control and include Bluetooth, infrared, and Star Flash as communication methods. This aims to solve the problem of consumers struggling to manage multiple remotes for different devices.
Konka, a leading Chinese electronics company, recently delivered the first Smart TV compatible with Star Flash-enabled remotes. According to Konka, this TV has already been delivered to the National Radio and Television Administration for testing as a benchmark product. The system can detect which device the user wants to control and automatically switch connections, according to reports.
With the development of this technology, China is reducing its reliance on international standards dominated by the U.S.. This strategy gives China a chance to influence global wireless technology markets. Promoted by the SparkLink Alliance, Star Flash has already attracted interest from consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors. In 2025, China plans to roll out universal remotes nationwide to millions of households.
The technology is also gaining traction internationally. In September, the SparkLink Alliance introduced Star Flash to Japanese companies, while its potential was showcased at BRICS meetings, a bloc representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Star Flash’s efficiency and capabilities make it a strong contender to challenge Bluetooth’s dominance. With faster speeds, lower power use, and higher capacity, it could quickly find its way into a range of devices, from smart home systems to industrial applications. As adoption grows, China’s homegrown technology could reshape the global wireless communication landscape.
