What is Bluetooth and what are its uses?

Bluetooth is a secure way for devices to communicate across short distances. Bluetooth is a popular PDA feature, and the technology carried over to other devices. Mobile phones can use Bluetooth to send files from one phone to another and to connect to accessories, such as hands-free phone kits. Bluetooth connections can be made with built-in Bluetooth or with adapters.

Overview of Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a high-tech version of a walkie-talkie built into your device. Bluetooth connections are secure as you need to allow access to a device before it can send files, or connect to your device. In the case of a Bluetooth wireless keyboard, you need to type the device ID for the Bluetooth to connect. In the case of Bluetooth headphones, you need to give permission to the device by pressing a certain button sequence. Frequencies Bluetooth has a short range. You can send photos from one device to another via Bluetooth if you are sitting at the same table, but if you move to separate rooms, it will be harder for the devices to stay connected. Bluetooth devices do not have to 'see' each other as they use radio frequencies to communicate. You could be on one side of a wall and connect to someone who is on the other side of the wall.
Where is Bluetooth found?
Bluetooth is found in Wii controllers, wireless devices such as keyboards, audio headsets, and computer mouse. In mobile phones, you can control the Bluetooth by turning it on and off, and by establishing a code which people need to know before they can connect with you, but other devices are not so complex in their connections.

Adapting devices to Bluetooth

If you want to have a Bluetooth on your PC or laptop, and it isn't built in, you can get a Bluetooth USB dongle. You can plug this into your computer and install the software, and your computer will be able to access different Bluetooth devices. Restrictions Some manufacturers have built-in Bluetooth restrictions. Thus, if the Bluetooth doesn't work on one device, you can test it on something else produced by another manufacturer. Apple has built in some Bluetooth restrictions. You just have to download an application to share photos over Bluetooth between an iPad and an iPhone. Once your device has established a Bluetooth connection, you can usually set the connection as a favourite to remember, so that you don't have to input the codes again.