A Bluetooth® headset allows a wireless connection between a headset and a Bluetooth®-enabled cell phone. For those who are not completely up with the advancements of technology, Bluetooth® is a rather low-cost means for different devices to communicate with each other via a secure, short-range radio frequency. With this technology, up to seven connections can be made at one time, including cell phones, headsets, cameras, global positioning system (GPS) devices, printers, keyboards, handheld computers, and even Bluetooth®-capable cars.
In the case of cars, a headset allows the driver to use a cell phone through the car’s audio system and an onboard navigation screen. For two devices to work together, a simple connection is established. Bluetooth® technology has a range of 30 feet (10 m). Compared to wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi™, Bluetooth® uses the same frequency range but does not reach near the distances. Wi-Fi™ also requires costlier hardware.
A Bluetooth® headset is small and lightweight, with some models weighing less than 1 ounce (28 g). It can provide up to five hours of talk time and as many as 100 hours of standby time. The headset allows the wearer to use a cell phone without wires, even if it is in a bag, pocket, piece of luggage, or nearby room.
As newer versions of Bluetooth® are released, it is important to for headset owners to make sure that their Bluetooth® devices are compatible. The newer versions resolved issues from previous versions, such as identity snooping and tracking, by adding an anonymity mode. Adaptive frequency hopping is a benefit when it comes to crowded frequencies.
When choosing a Bluetooth® headset, consumers should keep several factors in mind. Ergonomics are important, so a shopper should find out whether the headset is easy to put on and remove and whether it is comfortable. Also, consumers will want to make sure that the volume and other controls are easy to use. They should find out whether the battery is replaceable, how many devices the headset can connect with, and its typical range. The device should also come with a clear, well-written, helpful manual.
Along with the term Bluetooth®, which derives from the name of a 10th century Danish king who unified Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, some other catchy buzzwords developed. Bluebugging defines eavesdropping and bluesnarfing occurs when a hacker accesses a phone’s information, such as the contacts stored in the phone. Bluejacking, a play on the word hijacking, involves a teasing or otherwise enticing message sent as a text message. For added security, Bluetooth® devices can be secured with a code or placed in hidden mode when not in use.