Bluetooth
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a standard way for small devices (e.g.
cell phones, PDAs, laptops, PCs) to connect
with each other. In essence it is a way to replace
cables or wires. (In the same way that "wi-fi" is a replacement for
your PC network cable). Because most of the major
cell phone manufacturers have implemented
it in their products, it has achieved widespread
acceptance and adoption.
Who owns it?
Bluetooth is not owned by anyone. It is a standard that has been agreed
among the cell phone manufacturers and they have started including it in
their phones.
Do I need a phone made by Bluetooth?
There is no such thing as a Bluetooth brand or make of phone,
just phones that are made by the major phone manufacturers (e.g. Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson etc.)
that support Bluetooth.
How is it used?
In the world of cell phones, there are currently 2 common ways that it
is used:-
- Firstly, as a way to wirelessly connect a cell phone to a hands
free device (e.g headset or car-kit)
- Secondly, to connect a cell phone to a PC (or similar) to synchronize data such
as contacts and calendar items
What do I have to do to get it to work with my phone?
Very little! Every phone has its variations, but the concepts are the same and are pretty simple.
First of all you have to turn on Bluetooth which
is usually done in the "connectivity" menu on the phone. Then you
have to tell your phone and the other device
it is OK to connect with each other which is
usually accomplished by "pairing" the
two devices. Once that is done you can easily
ask "paired" devices to
connect. For some phones this is a one-time excercise
- Bluetooth will remain "on" and every time you are within range
of one of your own "paired" Bluetooth devices they will connect.
Each phone will work slightly differently however they are all fairly simple to setup and use (especially when
compared to the settings for email or web access!)
How will it be used in the future?
In the future, it is envisioned that most cars will be shipped with Bluetooth-enabled
multi-media systems that will provide
hands
free facilities as standard. Beyond that there
are many ways that we will use Bluetooth
in the future, many of which are not close to
being unleashed on us, the normal Joe or Joan
in the street.
How far can my phone and Bluetooth headset be apart?
Bluetooth was designed to be a very low consumer of power and one of the consequences of
that is that it has a range of around 30 feet. However this is sufficient for use in the
world of cell phones. E.g. it is more than enough for use with a
hands
free kit in a car
and with
wireless
headsets.
Do all Bluetooth devices work together?
Yes. Because it is a standard specification that the manufacturers have agreed to, you can rely
on the fact that if you have a Bluetooth phone and a Bluetooth device, they will connect with
each other. This is especially helpful if you like to have an
installed
car-kit because it
is removes the problem of forward compatibility.
Where can I find out more?
To find out more about Bluetooth and how it is
used in the cell phone world, you will find these sites useful:-
Bluetooth Special Interest Group
Ericsson - Bluetooth
Nokia - Bluetooth
Motorola - Bluetooth
How Stuff Works - Bluetooth
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