Bluetooth Features and Style

Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. It is a worldwide specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution that provides links between mobile computers, mobile phones, other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet.

Features and profiles

Though most Bluetooth headsets are compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, compatibility is not universal. Bluetooth comes in different versions, so make sure that your two chosen devices will work with each other. Most products in use currently work on Bluetooth version 1.1, which offers such basic features as voice dialing, call mute and last-number redial. In 2003, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), a body that oversees the technology's development, released version 1.2 and rolled out version 2.0 a year later. The Bluetooth V1.2 has less interference by WI-FI or other Bluetooth device as it supports wider frequency range and has greater security to protect against snooping and tracking. Bluetooth V2.0 is the current version with the EDR (enhanced data rate) technology, which has a data transfer rate that can be up to 3Mbps in V2.0 (verses 1Mbps for V1.2).

Anyway Bluetooth V1.2 is compatible with Bluetooth® Specification V1.1, so you can still use your headset with your Bluetooth V1.1 devices. This is the same for Bluetooth V2.0 which is compatible with Bluetooth V1.2.

Another recent Bluetooth profile to hit the mobile space is A2DP, or the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. This is also widely known as the stereo Bluetooth headset profile because it allows for a dual-channel audio stream, such as music from an MP3 player to a headset. This is an especially popular concept with MP3 phones, because they can theoretically switch from music to phone calls at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, few phones available in the market are compatible with the A2DP profile yet, although more will be available soon. Similarly, the number of stereo Bluetooth headsets that support the A2DP profile is also very limited.

Bluetooth headset style

• Over-the-ear Bluetooth headsets: They can be worn on either the right or the left ear, and many find them more comfortable than in-ear models.
• In-ear Bluetooth headsets: They fit directly into your ear canal like an earplug
• Specialty Bluetooth headsets: Pull double duty with Bluetooth sunglasses and Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can also find adapters to create Bluetooth-enabled motorcycle helmets.