What are some of the Applications for Bluetooth Technology?

Bluetooth applications were designed to fill a range of uses, the more prominent among them being:

• Wireless networking between PCs in confined spaces where little bandwidth is required.
• Wireless communication between and control of a cell phone and a hands free headset.
• Wireless communication with mice and keyboards and other such PC input devices.
• Wireless communications to printers and other such PC output devices.
• Transfer of calendar appointments, contact details, and other reminders between devices.
• Wireless control of game consoles like Nintendo's Wii, and Sony's PlayStation 3.

The Three Classes of Bluetooth Devices

Bluetooth, primarily designed for low power consumption, is a short-range radio standard and communications protocol. For most users a working understanding of Bluetooth device classes by range is adequate. Class 1 Bluetooth devices have a range of approximately 325 feet; Class 2 devices about 33 feet, and Class 3 about a foot and a half.

What lies in the future for Bluetooth?

The future version of Bluetooth, currently called "Lisbon" may completely change the current answers to the question "what is Bluetooth?" The improved specification will include a number of features designed to increase the security, value, and usability of Bluetooth devices.

• Atomic Encryption Change will allow encrypted links to periodically change their encryption keys thus increasing security.
• Exended Enquiry response will provide for better device filtering before the connection is effected.
• Sniff Subrating reduces power consumption especially for links with asymmetric data flows. This should significantly increase the battery life of keyboards and mice.
• QoS Improvements will enhance the quality of transmitted audio and video data.
• Simple Pairing will radically improving the pairing experience for Bluetooth devices and is expected to enhance their adoption by computer users.

Bluetooth technology is radically changing the interaction of devices that computer users wish to link through a PAN or "personal area" network. Given the potential for improvements and enhancements in the coming generation of devices the most accurate answer to the question "what is Bluetooth" may be "the wave of the future." It's a level of communication that would make old King Harold proud.