Bluetooth® - what is it?
Bluetooth technology is a method of wireless communication capable of
transmitting data over short distances. It was developed as a way
of connecting many different types of electronic equipment without
the need for cables. Bluetooth provides a standard so that electronic devices
from different manufacturers will happily and reliably "talk" to each
other.
When Bluetooth connects devices to each other, they become "paired"
- in other words they each check that they are compatible with one another and will
be able to exchange data. The user can set a secure level so that
connections can only be established between allowed devices - a
work colleague's computer and your own laptop PC for example, to
allow secure exchange of sales figures.
There are many uses for Bluetooth. As mentioned, it can wirelessly link computers and
PDAs. It's also possible to stream music to headphones or the car's stereo system from
a Bluetooth-equipped Music Phone or MP3 player (using Bluetooth's A2DP protocol). But
probably the most widespread use of Bluetooth technology is in providing hands-free mobile
phone operation.
There are several different types of hands-free products available, from many different brands.
A popular design, available in several variations, is the
sun visor mounted
one-piece speaker and microphone system. This places both the mic and speaker in just about
the best place to give the clearest sound both ways, and it's easy to fit. Most use Bluetooth to connect
with your phone, which can be out of the way. A built-in rechargeable battery means you don't need to
have a cable trailing from the device to the cigarette lighter socket, and you can expect to get
about 10 hours talk time and around 100 hours standby time before it will need recharging. Some have
a caller display so you know who is calling before you answer.
A number of car stereo CD players now have Bluetooth® technology built-in and are said to be
'Bluetooth® Ready'. Purchasing a separate module can provide hands-free communications by routing
the caller's voice through the stereo system speakers, at the same time automatically muting the music
if it's playing. If you are thinking of upgrading your stereo system, it's worth checking if the new
unit has this facility.
There's no shortage of other devices, from relatively simple speaker units that plug directly in to
the cigarette lighter socket (and so, depending on where that's located, these may or may not be so
suitable in your vehicle), to Bluetooth headsets. The headsets - or at least the better ones - will
tend to give the best audio quality, but having to wear a headset won't suit everybody. Some devices
combine the benefits of a
sun-visor mounted unit with a detachable Bluetooth headset
for a system that can be used in or away from the car.
