Bluetooth: 10 Benefits

People who use Bluetooth technology, swear by it. Every user trumpets the benefits of Bluetooth; but are these benefits worth the investment?

Review the ten top benefits of Bluetooth, and decide if grabbing on to this technological trend is right for you.

1. Wireless Convenience
There are many benefits of using wireless devices. The basic plus to going wireless is enjoying the freedom to work or communicated without being tied down. You can travel freely and stay connected, without the hassle of connection cables. There is a safety factor to consider as well. Bluetooth technology eliminates the risk of getting tangled with wires if, for example, you're wrestling with a wired headset while trying to drive a car.

2. Instant Gratification
Using Bluetooth devices allows you the freedom to communicate without setting up connections or pushing buttons. When two or more Bluetooth devices enter a range of 30 feet or less, they will instantly begin to communicate with each other. There's nothing more that you need to do.

3. Budget Friendly
The benefits of Bluetooth also extend to your pocketbook. Bluetooth technology is inexpensive for companies to implement. Lower costs lead to lower corporate overhead, and the savings may well be passed on to customers like you.

4. Sets the Standard
Bluetooth is standardized wireless. This means that the technology is guaranteed to meet a high level of compatibility with other wireless devices. Bluetooth technology allows many different devices to connect and communicate, even if they are different models.

5. Less Interference
Bluetooth devices are almost always able to avoid interference from other wireless devices. The Bluetooth uses a technology known as frequency hopping, as well as low power wireless signals.

6. Conserves Energy
Bluetooth uses low power signals, so the technology requires very little energy. One of the most practical benefits of Bluetooth you'll find is in using fewer batteries or less electrical power. Bluetooth won't drain the batteries on mobile devices.

7. Shared Data and Voices
The standard for Bluetooth technology allows compatible devices to share data and voice communications. Of all the benefits of Bluetooth this is most important to drivers who need to talk hands-free on their cellphones.

8. Instant Personal Area Network
You can form your own PAN (personal area network) by connecting up to seven Bluetooth devices within a range of up to thirty feet. Multiples PANS, or piconets, can be set up within a single room

9. Upgrade
Technology is constantly being upgraded, and Bluetooth is ready to comply with whatever changes may come along. Newer versions of Bluetooth are now being released, offering even more advantages. Many have backward compatibility with older Bluetooth versions.

10. Technology For Keeps
Bluetooth technology is used and available worldwide. It's a universal standard that will be around for many years to come. As more and more devices implement Bluetooth technology, more manufacturers will find it necessary to make their products compatible. The "supply and demand" chain reaction has already set Bluetooth as a standard in cutting-edge wireless.

There are more benefits to Bluetooth; just ask anyone who uses this wireless wonder. Find out more about Bluetooth, and then decide if the benefits of Bluetooth can help make your life a little easier.

Donald Brown is an author for several popular web sites, on family and small business and small business and education subjects

Understanding The Magic of Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology is a low-power, low-cost wireless technology for short-range radio communication between various fixed and/or portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, cars, stereo headsets, MP3s, digital cameras, PCs and computer peripherals. Bluetooth also refers to the standard communication protocol (IEEE 802.15.1) specifically designed for this kind of short-range wireless communication.

The core of Bluetooth technology lies in a low-cost 9 mm x 9 mm microchip that functions as a short-range radio link when inserted into an electronic device, making the device Bluetooth-enabled. Wireless communication between various bluetooth-enabled devices takes place via these radio links, instead of via cables as used in normal networking. Since Bluetooth technology uses radio signals, which are omni-directional and can be transmitted through walls and other obstacles, Bluetooth-enabled devices don?t need to be in line of sight or be pointing at each other.

Bluetooth radio modules operate in the open, unlicensed ISM (industrial?scientific?medical) spread-spectrum 2.4 GHz frequency band, divided into 79 channels separated by 1 MHz each. To avoid interference from other signals, the Bluetooth signal hops to a new channel every time it transmits or receives a data packet, making Bluetooth connection robust and secure. The communication range of Bluetooth technology varies from 1 m to 100 m, depending upon the maximum power permitted (1 mW to 100 mW). Because of this channel hopping, there should not be a consistent problem with other devices using the 2.4 Ghz frequency band, such as old cordless phones.

Each Bluetooth-enabled device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single personal area network, called a piconet. Each device can simultaneously belong to several piconets. Each device negotiates with each other via a defined device name so that each device can keep track of who it is communicating with. The device name to use when you are setting up your Bluetooth device is typically cleared stated in the accompanying device documentation.

Bluetooth technology offers built-in security with 128-bit encryption and PIN code authentication. When Bluetooth products identify themselves, they use the PIN code the first time they connect, thereafter staying securely connected.

Practical Applications of Bluetooth Networking

Some of the popular applications of Bluetooth technology are in wireless networking between a mobile phone and a laptop/desktop, between a mobile phone and a hands-free headset, between PCs in a restricted space and between the input and output devices of a PC (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer). Bluetooth technology can also be used to transfer files, images and MP3 files between mobile phones or between MP3 players/digital cameras and computers.

Limitations of Bluetooth Technology

Short communication range (up to 100 m) is the greatest limitation of Bluetooth technology. Also, the data transfer rates are much lower compared to other wireless communication technologies. Susceptibility to interference from other devices operating in the 2.4 MHz band, notwithstanding adaptive frequency hopping, is another limitation. The Bluetooth technology is still not fully developed, so there is plenty of room for improvement.

Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

The Bluetooth wireless technology specification is available free-of-charge to Bluetooth member companies around the world. Many companies are interested in making their devices Bluetooth-enabled in order to avoid the clutter of wires with seamless connections and offer simultaneous transmission of data and voice as in hands-free talking.

Bluetooth technology is commercially available in a wide range of applications such as mobile phones, automobiles, medical devices, play stations and many more.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about Bluetooth technology and applications at his web site at www.bluetooth-explained.com

Bluetooth GPS vs CF GPS

For some people there is a debate over which to choose a Bluetooth gps receiver or a compact flash gps receiver. I have used both so I am writing from experience. There seem to be quite a few advantages a Bluetooth gps receiver has over a cf gps receiver.

The main advantage would be versatility, you can use a Bluetooth gps receiver with a Bluetooth pda as well as a compatible bluetooth mobile phone whereas with a cf gps receiver you are limited to only a compatible pda as mobile phones usually don't have a cf slot.

Another advantage is with regards to battery life, some bluetooth gps receivers have exceptional battery life lasting up to 26 hours, some mobile phones also have a long life, although a pda won't last anywhere near that, when using a cf gps receiver the pda battery is usually depleted faster as the it has to also power the cf receiver since the cf receiver can't work on its own

The third consideration is convenience, one can find some new gps receivers that are extremely small, the holux gpslim 236 comes to mind, because of their size and sensitivity you can stick them in your pocket and still get a very good signal so you don't have anything sticking out of the pda as is the case with a cf gps receiver.

Another thing to consider is that a lot of newer pdas seem to be loosing the compact flash interface, a good example is the fujitsu siemens loox 720, it has being rumoured that the loox 720 replacement won't be including a cf interface. My conclusion would be it seems that manufacturers don't consider the cf interface that important to include in newer pdas, kind of like being phased out so it might not be a good idea to invest in cf devices

My final argument would be that when it comes to using a gps receiver for driving, it is easier to position a bluetooth gps receiver in a convenient position where it can receive a better signal than with a cf gps receiver because since the cf gps receiver is fixed to the pda, you are limited by how much you can move the pda around and still have a good view of the pda screen.

Based on all these facts I would consider a bluetooth gps receiver a better choice to a cf gps receiver.

Francis Ononye writes about bluetooth gps receivers at http://www.bluetoothgpstips.com

What Is Bluetooth Technology And Do I Want It In My Car?

The most popular technology in recent years would have to be Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a type of wireless communication allowing you to connect to Internet, phones, cars, and satellite without the vast array of cables holding you down. Most people unknowingly come in contact with some sort of Bluetooth technology every day. The wireless world is advancing, offering better communication abilities, navigational skills and integrated service. Bluetooth technology is all around you but to access its abilities you have to have the latest accessories.

The latest accessory to the Bluetooth family is the car kit. The car kits enable wireless access to your phone and navigation system with your voice. With a car kit your phone doesn't even to come out of your pocket. The system can be accessed completely with your voice. If you need a phone number from your phone simply ask and your car system can find and call the requested number. The Bluetooth car kits came just in time, because many states are enacting legislature making handheld cell phone usage while driving illegal.

You can set the numbers, or menus to show in your rearview mirror or allow them to be voice activated. Another feature of the new Bluetooth car kit is when you have an incoming call the technology works together, turning your car audio system down and alerting you to the call. The caller ID system can announce the caller or you can have it displayed on the rearview mirror. With all the distractions on the roads, having your hands completely free to drive is sure to help prevent more car accidents.

Other accessories to the Bluetooth family are the integration of Bluetooth and the Mp3 players. There is no longer a need for the wire connection. Your music can be accessed, stored and played with Bluetooth. This new technology also enables the ability to share music between your phone, PDA, and computer. You can send pictures and files to other people's cell phones in an instant.

There are unlimited options with the new technology available from Bluetooth. Business offices are benefiting from the lack of cables and wires, clearing precious cubicle space for employees and additional work. With wireless PDAs, coworkers are able to send meeting notes and information to each other before, during and after meetings with the touch of a button. Offices are becoming more flexible in work schedules realizing that with Bluetooth employees can access office computers from home.

There are so many options available for using Bluetooth technology in the world today. As companies work to improve efficiency in and around the office, having wireless technology available gives them a significant advantage. With wireless connectivity in our homes, cars, and offices the ability to communicate with others can happen wherever you are.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a car accessories at http://www.5starshine.com

Bluetooth Security

These days, all communication technology faces the issue of privacy and identity theft, with Bluetooth being no exception. Almost everyone knows that email services and networks require security. What users of Bluetooth need to realize is that Bluetooth also requires security measures as well.

The good news for Bluetooth users is that the security scares, like most scares, are normally over dramatized and blown entirely out of proportion. The truth being told, these issues are easy to manage, with various measures already in place to provide security for Bluetooth technology.

It's true that there has been some Bluetooth phones that have been hacked into. Most devices that are hacked into are normally those that don't have any type of security at all.

According to Bluetooth specialists, in order to hack into a Bluetooth device, the hacker must: 1. Force two paired devices to break their connection. 2. Steal the packets that are used to resend the pin. 3. Decode the pin.

Of course, the hacker must also be within range of the device, and using very expensive developer type equipment. Most specialists recommend that you have a longer pin, with 8 digits being recommended.

Fundamentals of security The "pairing process" is one of the most basic levels of security for Bluetooth devices. Pairing, is two or more Bluetooth devices that recognize each other by the profiles they share - in most cases they both must enter the same pin.

The core specifications for Bluetooth use an encryption algorithm, which is completely and entirely secure. Once the devices pair with each other, they too become entirely secure.

Until they have successfully paired, the Bluetooth devices won't communicate with each other. Due to this pairing process and the fact that it is short range - Bluetooth technology is considered to be secure.

As the news has indicated, experienced hackers have developed ways to get around this level of basic security. There are ways to get around this threat, as you can install software to prevent hackers from getting in.

With Bluetooth becoming more and more popular, it's really no wonder that security is always in question. As Bluetooth gets bigger and better, security will always be something that no one really takes lightly.

If you've been concerned about Bluetooth security in the past, rest assured that newer devices will offer bigger and better security. Preventing hackers from getting in is something every owner is concerned about - and the manufacturer's are very aware.

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Hands-Free Units With Bluetooth Launched By Parrot

Driving does require you to have your full concentration on the road ahead. It is also very essential that your mind does not wander anywhere else. However, because of the frantic pace of the world today, it seems like anywhere a person goes, there is always something that you would need to take care of - bills to be paid, friends asking for advice, family members giving you last minute instructions, bosses looking for report, clients asking for a meeting, and many others.

Good thing that Parrot, a company that has already become a specialist in Bluetooth hands-free telephony, has been able to create the BTHFU (Bluetooth Hands-Free Units) for cars and vehicles. In fact, Parrot is actually a member and the current chair of the Bluetooth SIG Automobile working group. According to the company, the products that they are designing and developing have been made just especially for vehicles. And the BTHFU has been actually created along with the company Visteon. This new unit would be coming with digital signal processing, noise reduction features, as well as echo cancellation. You would be able to find this one in the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy which would be roaming the streets of China.

Henri Seydoux is the founder and the CEO of Parrot and he comments, "We are very happy to collaborate with Visteon, one of the leading automotive equipment suppliers worldwide, on the development of hands-free systems which should become widely applicable as a car standard equipment."

This kind of innovation and change in the automotive industry just simply shows that as everything in the world evolves, the automotive industry is also evolving along and simply not just in terms of Buick parts and the like. During the time that the passengers needed much protection during crashes, the air bags were created. During the time when people were very much affected by high gas prices, hybrid vehicles were sent out. And during this time when communication and being in touch is a very important aspect of life, the Bluetooth Hands Free Units became a reality.

Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine.

Bluetooth Technology Is Likely To Be The Answer You Are Looking For!

Several large and well-known companies developed Bluetooth as an industry standard. The standard was introduced in order to specify how hand held devices, computers and other peripherals would communicate with one another without the need for cables. It uses short distance radio signals in order to generate communication between one device and another in close proximity. It is already widely used around the world in particular in bluetooth headsets, used for speaking on your cell phone when driving. However, data can be passed between any bluetooth devices within range.

Bluetooth is the simplest and most widely available technology of its kind. This means that manufacturers can build bluetooth-enabled devices quickly and effectively and pass this saving directly on to consumers. It is also extremely convenient and bluetooth devices are usually incredibly small. This is why it is used in hands free headsets for use with cell phones.

Because bluetooth is the industry standard, this means that it is widely accepted and regularly used by companies from all over the world for many different reasons. Because it is so easily accessible and the transfer of data from one bluetooth device to another is completely free it is the most popular option. It is also incredibly easy for consumers to use and in many cases it is simply a case of turning the bluetooth devices on and then sending the data as required.

Due to 128-bit encryption and adaptive frequency hopping, bluetooth is a secure method of transporting data over short distances. Whether you want to transfer files from your notebook to your computer or you want to talk on your cell phone while you are driving, bluetooth technology is likely to be the answer you are looking for. Businesses and individuals all around the world, use bluetooth on a regular basis.

Lavinia Snider is the editor of Bluetooth Master. Find out all about bluetooth, wireless cell phones, wireless headphones, and more