WHAT IS BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY?
Bluetooth Technology and What It's Used For
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Bluetooth technology is how mobile phones, computers, PDA's, printers, speakers, and other electonic devices can be easily connecting using short-range wireless connections. If you have ever come upon someone who appeared to be talking to themselves, only to discover that they were talking on a mobile phone using a tiny little headset that goes over the ear, you have encountered Bluetooth technology. Named for Harald Blatand, or Bluetooth, a king of Denmark in the 900's, Bluetooth technology is the result of collaberation between such electronics companies as Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Toshibia, and Nokia. The most familiar use for this technology is in hands-free and wire-free mobile phones. But there are even more uses for this technology. This article will tell you more about Bluetooth technology, how it works, and its uses. Busy moms, students and business people will allfind Bluetooth technology useful and convenient. From hands-free mobile phone use while driving or doing other things, to sending reports or essays from your computer to the printer, Bluetooth technology has something for everyone. Best of all, it's relatively inexpensive, and easy to use.
How Bluetooth Works
When you use computers, entertainment systems, telephones, etc., these make up a community of electronic devices. In order for them to work, they need to be connected so that they can communicate with the source of the media. They can be connected via various types of cables, wires, signals, infrared light beams, or other methods. This is physical connection. Not only are you connecting to the electrical source, you are also connecting to the signal (radio, TV, telephone) that makes your TV, stereo, or telephone work. This is called protocol. So your electronic devices are operating at two different levels in order to make your device work. Bluetooth devices operate at close range. In other words, your Bluetooth compatible device must be within a certain range of the adaptor. This range is from 10 to about 30 feet, depending on the device. Mobile phones must usually be within 10 feet of the Bluetooth adaptor, while computers, printers, and media applications must generally be within a 30 foot range.
Bluetooth technology is a networking process that works at both the physical as well as the protocol level. At the physical level, it uses a radio frequency; at the protocol level, it provides agreement as to signal sent and received, etc. And best of all, there are no wires or cables involved. Another plus for Bluetooth technology is that it's relatively inexpensive. While you can use infrared technology, as is used in remote controls, Bluetooth enabled devices work automatically, without having to be pointed at something in order to work. And while a remote control will only work with one device, Bluetooth technology works with up to eight devices at once.
Bluetooth Products
Bluetooth Headphones
People are most familiar with the Bluetooth headsets for mobile phone use. Prices range from abour $30 on up, depending on make and model. Popular makes include Jabra, Motorola, Ericsson, Belkin, Sony Ericsson, Plantronics, and Nokia. Most of these headsets will allow you to be up to 10 feet away from your phone and still be able to connect wirelessly.
Headsets For Media Players
There are a variety of Bluetooth headphones which will play music as well as allow you to make phone calls wirelessly. Prices range from about $100 to $150. Additionally, there are Bluetooth adaptors that make your home stereo system wireless as well. These adaptors run from about $50 and up.
Bluetooth For Your Car
If you spend a lot of time in your car and need to make or take calls while you're there, you'll find some Bluetooth adaptors that clip right on to your sun visor. Nothing to install, and if you're moving to another car, take it with you.
Bluetooth for your Home PC, Printer, and More
Other Bluetooth components allow wireless printing from your computer, PDA, cameraphone, and other Bluetooth enabled devices.
In Conclusion
By far, the most uses you will find for Bluetooth technology is in mobile phone use as well as for media play. Next on the list is computer or other device to printer. As technology advances, you'll find more and better improvements in wireless capabilities for home, office, and personal uses.