Bluetooth is named after a legendary king who ruled over Denmark and Norway. He was described as having a bluish or black tooth that earned him his nickname. He was able to unite the tribes of Denmark to work together. This ability to work together and communicate was the inspiration for the Bluetooth technology name.
The Bluetooth wireless standard allows many devices to communicate with each other universally, rather than having their own proprietary way of connecting. Bluetooth uses include audio streaming, data transfer, device networks, and location services.
Examples of Bluetooth-enabled devices include Laptops and desktops, smartphones, mice, headsets, speakers and headphones, keyboards, fitness trackers, hands-free telephones in vehicles, controllers for video games and computers, and more.
Bluetooth headsets allow the wearer a cord-free session. This allows them to talk using video collaboration software such as Teams or Zoom. As well they can be used for telephones and soft phone-based systems. Not being tethered to a computer or phone, allows for greater ease of movement and comfort. This has become more relevant with remote work being so prevalent.
Bluetooth location services are used in instances such as indoors. When GPS navigation can prove to be difficult or impossible. It can be used for asset tracking not just where items and tools are located, but also to locate employees. Medical devices and patients in a hospital can also be located making healthcare easier.
Bluetooth devices are normally paired together to communicate. This prevents other devices from being connected at the same time. The pairing process usually involves setting the device to be connected into pairing mode. Often accompanied by a flashing and or multicolored light pattern. The device name will then appear in the list of devices to be connected. Select it and then the devices will pair.
Bluetooth devices can have a longer range for staying connected between the devices roughly as high as over 800 feet for high-powered consumer devices or much less than 30 feet for low-powered ones. Obstacles between the two devices such as walls can reduce this range.
Recently even more uses have been found for Bluetooth, such as a digital key. Before this standard, connection to a vehicle was usually done through a manufacturer-specific App on a smartphone. With the new standard, the digital key is stored and authenticated on the phone. It has security and privacy built in. The digital key can be used to both unlock and start the vehicle.
Another application is smart lighting. It relies on Bluetooth Mesh networking technology. This can be utilized without rewiring existing lights. The individual lights communicate with each other wirelessly as well as with control devices. They include sensors to detect the occupancy of a room as well as the current level of sunlight. They can save as much as 75% of the energy consumed by lighting.
Bluetooth technology has become prevalent in many devices both for home and business use. It continues to be researched and improved.