Almost everyone has heard of “Bluetooth” but many may not understand what it really is. Essentially Bluetooth is a cable replacement technology. Where previously devices may have adopted component cables, electrical wires, Ethernet cables, WiFi or Infrared signals, Bluetooth allows devices to “Pair” with each other wirelessly.
Bluetooth lets you to create your own personal network between devices near you. A chip in your device, such as your smart phone sends information via short range radio frequency up to about 9-10 metres instead of using a cable to the paired device. Bluetooth technology is designed for use in low power, portable devices and is also brilliant for sending audio.
Another great feature of Bluetooth is the ability to pair with several devices at once. If you’re in your office you can be using a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, headset and phone all at once. There is no need to achieve line-of-sight that is required with infra-red technology and it is becoming very common in new cars to achieve hands-free phone calls.
Now a real alternative to wired technology, Bluetooth is a fantastic way of controlling your home theatre as well. There are many home theatre components with Bluetooth capability such as receivers that can be controlled by an App on your smart phone via Bluetooth.
Bluetooth technology will certainly become standard in many more devices over time. So next time you are deciding between a device that has Bluetooth and one that does not, consider the possibilities you have in the palm of your hand if you decide to go with it.
