One of the fastest-growing technologies is Bluetooth technology which is being used to varying extents in our everyday life. From simply clipping on the Bluetooth headset to ear to talk on a cell phone to synchronizing networks at home, office and vehicles. Bluetooth is everywhere.
How we use Bluetooth technology in our everyday life
For those who don’t know much about this technology, here are the basics.
Bluetooth device is a wireless device that communicates through short-range radio waves which have a maximum range of 10 meters generally or 30 feet.
There are also high powered devices that have longer ranges. Bluetooth operated products need to be in the same area or in range to communicate with each other.
Small networks will be formed with the interactions between the devices, which are commonly called a Piconet or PAN (personal area network). These mini networks communicate in an interesting way and are guided by the Bluetooth connection protocols and standards.
What happens when in range of other Bluetooth devices
After detecting each other’s presence, the Bluetooth devices will pass the data at the same time to coordinate their activities by jumping continuously between radio frequencies along with a band. With the help of this constant hopping over low power signals.
A Bluetooth gadget can cut down the interference from other devices sharing the same frequency band and can also ensure brief crossovers with no issues.
In a Bluetooth piconet, a variety of devices can take part. From cellphones to computers, printers to cameras, GPS navigators to car stereo systems the list is unending.
This technology is inexpensive and automated that brings flexibility, efficiency and convenience to electronic network communications and its users.
Bluetooth technology in cell phones
Present Bluetooth technology is a refined one and the new versions of operating protocols are being used. The potential of Bluetooth technology as a telecommunications medium became obvious.
Manufacturers of cell phone devices joined the Bluetooth SIG and started using the technology to allow phones to work with wireless/hands-free devices like Bluetooth headsets.
Bluetooth short-range and low power consumption features are ideal in this case.
A cell phone user can keep their phone in his/her pocket or nearby and can use the connected headset to receive and send signals.
The distance that has to be travelled by these signals is not more than a few feet which makes the lowest powered Bluetooth devices i.e., class 3 with a range of 1 meter to work using minimal battery power of the cell phone.
Class 2 and class 1 with ranges of 10 meters and 100 meters are more practical for other applications but they need more power to send or receive a signal.
Bluetooth technology in computers and laptops:
Computers and laptops are the devices next in line to cell phones in using the Bluetooth technology to the maximum. Different computer accessories like mice, keyboards, printers, PDA’s and speakers come with inbuilt Bluetooth adapters. These adapters allow wireless communications among the devices and the nearby computer. To add the Bluetooth technology to your old model computer, buy the USB Bluetooth Dongles.
Bluetooth technology can also be used to exchange data between two computers as long as the data being sent or receive is small.
Bluetooth technology in Car stereo system
The car stereo is Bluetooth enabled with Bluetooth technology is integrated with the Bluetooth enabled cell phones. When these two devices are within the range of communication they start the communication in a number of ways.
Depending on the model used, you can make and receive calls without pushing a single button or without pulling your phone out from your pocket. The vehicle speakers are where voices can be heard through. Some models need a few button pushes but they are simple to use.
We can also view the information like phonebook, incoming call and call status on the panel of the stereo. The speaker will also turn down the music volume if there is an incoming call and resume the song when the call is finished.
Some new Bluetooth car stereo systems can store the contact information and address book on your phone. While some others have inbuilt phones that copies all the information from your SIM card and takes over the calling function. This way, the cell phone is disconnected from the Bluetooth piconet which gives a strong connection and saves battery power.
Besides receiving and making calls. A Bluetooth stereo system in your car can also enhance the environment inside your car. With streaming music from your iPod or MP3 players. You can also turn your vehicle into an entertainment centre by streaming movies. Other devices like GPS navigators and USB flash drives are some common fixtures.
Bluetooth technology in Video games
As this technology keeps on evolving, different manufacturers have started to use it.
Video game manufacturers like Nintendo WII and Sony PlayStations are using Bluetooth technology to provide wireless controllers to its users.
The fact that Bluetooth uses radio transmissions is an advantage to video game manufacturers. That means, there is no need to keep a clear line of sight between devices. Which make the users experience the full range of motion when controlling the avatars of games.
