Notifications You have no notifications
    How To: Use Bluetooth Technology

    How To: Use Bluetooth Technology

    Page 1 of 3
    In this burgeoning 21st century, everybody is wired — literally. We're surrounded by electronic gizmos and, for efficiency's sake, they all need to be networked together. Those cables can get in the way of a good time, which is where bluetooth comes in.

    This new industry standard was announced by Ericsson in 1999, and now more than 1,000 companies like IBM, Toshiba, Intel, and Nokia have adopted it. Read on to find out how to make the most out of bluetooth.

    what is bluetooth?

    Essentially, bluetooth is a technology that allows you to create wireless personal area networks. Using radio frequencies, you can access multiple devices within approximately a 30-foot radius.

    You might be thinking it's a lot like the popular Wi-Fi system, but the latter is much faster and more expensive, as it covers a wider area and requires more sophisticated hardware. In fact, Wi-Fi can replace a local area network, whereas bluetooth is only a personal area network.

    The word "bluetooth" comes from the Danish king Harald Blatand (known as Harold Bluetooth in English), who was famous for uniting Denmark and Norway, and bringing Christianity to Scandinavia more than a thousand years ago. Since bluetooth technology unifies electronic devices, the comparison is suitable.

    With the component cost being low and bluetooth being strong and easy to operate, this low-power technology has a very bright future. In fact, industry insiders expect that one billion bluetooth products will be on the market by the end of 2005.

    what can bluetooth do for you?

    Specifically, bluetooth connects devices such as digital cameras, personal digital assistants, printers, fax machines, mobile phones, laptops, and PCs together. The magic of bluetooth is that it simultaneously handles both voice and data transmissions.

    For instance, you can use your phone or PDA to consult databases located in your laptop, or even to print documents. You can use your MP3 player around the house to listen to music stored on your PC.

    Recently, car manufacturers such as BMW, Lexus and Toyota have equipped some of their models with bluetooth car kits. This allows you to use the features of your cell phone through the car's audio system while the phone itself is stored away in the trunk, for instance.

    specific uses

    Synchronization: You know about this feature; you've been using it for years with your PDA. But this synchronization technique requires a docking station or line of sight for the infrared signals. With bluetooth technology, you can send information such as your phonebook, calendar and messages from your PDA to all your other gadgets.

    File transfer: If you've taken a picture with your mobile phone and want to transfer it to your PDA, you only have to press a few buttons to do so. Also, you can use the same device to browse documents on another gadget.

    Multi-use telephone: First, you need to purchase a special bluetooth headset, which will allow you to use your phone three different ways. You'll be able to receive calls that you get on your regular phone line, just like a cordless phone. Also, you can use the headset to communicate with other phones in the house, like an intercom or walkie-talkie. Finally, you'll be able to receive calls that you get on your mobile phone.

    Get the equipment you need to get started...

    Have a money question ? Get it answered by AskMen's guyQ.


    Show Comments