What is it? What do we use it for?
Bluetooth is a term used to describe a specific form of wireless networking technology that can transmit and connect data between two or devices via short-wave radio frequencies. That data includes things such as documents, images; videos and voice (if using certain items, such as a mobile phone).The devices that can be connect through the Bluetooth feature include phones, computers, laptops and remote controls. Unlike other forms of wireless transmitting technology, Bluetooth has especially been designed for use between devices that are fairly close to each other. Bluetooth had made it possible to connect devices without the need for wires and file transfer softwares.
How is it a part of our multimedia world?
The technologies in today’s lifestyles are constantly being improved, with new models being created daily. Therefore it is no surprise that Bluetooth over the years has slowly incorporated itself in today’s multimedia world. This is because; Bluetooth can be used to listen to music wirelessly via various multimedia players, such as portable stereos. Computers and mobile phones also use Bluetooth, to help transmit data from one device to another without the need for cables. Bluetooth also plays a big role in some of today’s latest car models. Today drivers can talk to other people, whom are not in the same vehicle, whilst their hands remain on the steering wheel, without having to physically hold a mobile phone. Keyboards and computer mice can now also be used through Bluetooth, meaning users can move freely around the room without having to worry about wires and cables. These are just some examples of how Bluetooth has slowly incorporated itself in today’s multimedia society.
Are there different types? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type?
Bluetooth devices can be classified into 3 different classes/categories. This is the main difference between the diverse varieties of Bluetooth options. There is also a large, diverse range of different Bluetooth devices. These devices include dongles, headsets, radios and PC cards. Stereo headphones have become quite popular as they are a completely wireless, Bluetooth option, that is not limited to just one type of media player but large variety. This includes iPods, music phones and many other MP3 players. Laptops and computers, that provide users with the option to use Bluetooth, have also become popular, as wireless keyboards and mice are now being produced daily. Bluetooth devices can be classified into three different categories, which are called class one, class two and class three. These three categories are determined depending on the power ranges of each type of Bluetooth.
| Bluetooth class: | Advantages: | Disadvantages: |
| Class three | · Power level is 1mW, meaning less power is needed. · Data is transferred quickly and much more easily than the other classes | · Has an operating range of 0.1-10 meters · Limited in stock as it is not being produced as much as the other classes |
| Class Two | · Power level is 10mW, meaning slight more power is needed than class one, however much less is needed than class one · Costs less than class 1 technologies · Not limited in stock as it is being produced the most when compared to other classes | · Has an operating range of up to 10 meters · Operating range is quite small compared to class three. |
| Class one | · Has an operating range of up to 100 meters · Highly sensitive, making it easier to pick up signals from much further distances than the other classes | · Power level is 100mW, meaning the most power is needed from this class. · Data is transferred much more slowly than the other classes |
A simple explanation of how it works
As Bluetooth does not require any cables to work, it functions by creating a ‘wireless personal area network’ (or PAN for short) in low bandwidths. (Bandwidths are ranges of frequencies used to transmit signals). Upon creating this PAN Bluetooth then uses microwave radio frequencies to transmit data and connect to other Bluetooth devices.
Future for Bluetooth
Bluetooth has become a way of life for many people around the world, and especially plays a big part in the new ranges of mobile phones now being produced. These personal devices, due to Bluetooth, have a number of different uses that consumers once thought was not possible. Much of these uses will be built upon and improved in the not too distant future. One of these aspects would be that users will have the ability to use their mobile phones as a form of payments for goods and services, via Bluetooth communication links with cash registers. Currently manufacturers are coming up with ways for using Bluetooth technologies in the medical aspect of life. Such uses that can be possible within the medical field include remote patient monitoring, wireless biometric data and medicine dispensers. The travel industry is also likely to be affected by new BluetoothBluetooth may even come with communication links to hotel front desks, so that a traveller is able to check in and out without physically going to the front desk. Bluetooth has also been recently demonstrated with communication links, which can connect with special Bluetooth door locks on the doors of hotel rooms.
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