Bluetooth technology has been around since 1994 when it was developed by Sven Mattisson and Jaap Haartsen working for Ericsson Mobile Platforms in Sweden. Since then it has found uses in a wide range of devices including mobile phones and headsets, wireless networking between PC's and for wireless keyboads, mice and printers. Some benefits of Bluetooth are listed below.
- Compared to other protocols Bluetooth devices are relatively inexpensive.
- Bluetooth is wireless so is safer as there are no trailing wires or cables. If you are using a bluetooth device with your laptop you won't need to carry around any connecting cables.
- Compatibility between Bluetooth devices is guaranteed as they use standardised wireless connections. This means that devices from different manufacturers have no difficulty in communicating with each other.
- Bluetooth devices connect automatically to each other. As soon as they are within range (usually about thirty feet) they will automatically connect and transmit data.
- Devices that use Bluetooth can easily share voice and data communications so a mobile phone and a headset can easily communicate. This is ideal for hands free phone use when driving for instance.
- Bluetooth devices use very little energy so your laptop battery, for instance will last longer than with other wireless devices.
- Unlike other wireless devices Bluetooth devices are very unlikely to cause interference.
- Personal area networks consisting of up to seven Bluetooth devices can easily be set up provided they are within the working range of thirty feet.
- Bluetooth devices are upgradeable and newer versions are compatible with older versions.
- Bluetooth technology is likely to be around for many years to come as it is now a worldwide universal standard for wireless communications.
