Bluetooth, Blueteeth ...
By: Johan Brink
I'M SURE most readers of this column would of have seen the Vodacom advert with the technically-challenged guy that just upgraded his phone to one that has "blue teeth".
But what does this mean? What is this 'blue teeth' thing, or the correct term Bluetooth, and why would you want this technology that only makes you think about your next dentist appointment?
Bluetooth in a nutshell
It took the cellular industry - the same as any other technology - a couple of years to create a clear working standard for Bluetooth, and the new version 2.0 would seem to be a huge step in the right direction.
Bluetooth is an industry standard for electronic devices to communicate with one another no matter what type of electric equipment it is, as long as they are Bluetooth enabled.
In other words your cellphone and your notebook can seamlessly connect with one another and exchange data, even though your notebook and cellphone use totally different operating systems.
In another example, you can use a Bluetooth headset and as long as you are in 10 meter radius from your phone you can receive calls.
Bluetooth is not a new technology when it comes to cellphones and notebook computers - it's been around for a while but only in recent times has it become something that you will actually look at when you buy a new phone or computer.
The most popular application for Bluetooth is to connect your cellphone to a Bluetooth headset or car kit, or to backup your phonebook to your notebook. The one thing I like about using my phone and Bluetooth connection from my notebook is that I don't need a data card to connect to the internet, no cables and I can do it without having my phone sitting right next to me.
The application for Bluetooth is endless and not only limited to computers and phones, this technology can enable you to connect to your freezer and check if there is fresh milk, or to switch off that second floor bedroom light that you always forget to turn off.
Since Bluetooth is a standard for communication between electronic devices the applications are endless, and increasingly more new electronic equipment is becoming Bluetooth enabled.
Bluetooth advertising has become a marketing tool for companies, especially high volume areas for example traffic lights and shopping centers.
Bluetooth broadcasting units send Bluetooth messages to passing Bluetooth-enabled phones. This can be anything from an image to a slide show with specials. But by default they keep this advert small to make sure it will reach the recipient before he or she is out of range.
Best of all for marketing companies is that after setting up the initial infrastructure, this service costs next-to-nothing to operate.
Bluetooth limitation and risks
Despite all the Bluetooth upgrades, the technology still has its limitations. The latest version of Bluetooth transmits data across distances of up to 100m but doing this greatly increases the amount of power consumed - that is why headsets work only within a 10m radius.
We're already at the stage where our mobile phones battery life is not what it used to be, so adding technology to drain it even more rapidly is not a positive attribute. Shorter mobile phone battery life experienced with the latest model cellphones is not due to weaker or lower quality batteries, it is due to the "must-have" built-in camera and MP3 player - and don't forget that today size does matter! Today consumers are expecting so much more from a mobile device than 3 years ago.
The cost of Bluetooth is still very high even though more and more devices are Bluetooth enabled, especially when it comes to built-in units in notebooks (external units are less expensive). Bluetooth data communication is still slow - as those who have tried to print a colour presentation to a Bluetooth enabled printer can testify!
As wonderful as this ability to communicate with all technology might be, the threats are just as real, and this comes in the form of viruses and worm-like software.
Most people that use their Bluetooth headsets have their Bluetooth switched on permanently. Problem with this is, if you are in range of a phone with a virus, the virus will find and try to access you phone, and if it succeeds it could damage your phone permanently. I have to add that in most cases the virus needs you to allow access to your phone, so don't just except any incoming Bluetooth connections from anywhere, make sure of the source.
Keep Bluetooth in mind the next time your upgrade you phone or notebook - "blue teeth" can make things a lot easier - such as if you are the single person travelling by car from Pretoria to Johannesburg in ultra fast left lanes of the Ben Schoeman highway, you can use your blue teeth to connect to the internet without having to struggle to find the connection cables for your mobile phone!
At least you don't have to worry about the metro police, they are too busy kicking people out of the right lane.
News source: www.news24.co.za
Posted by: www.SouthAfrica-CarHire.com
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