subject: Bluetooth: Now Fulfilling Its Promise [print this page] Bluetooth: Now Fulfilling Its Promise Bluetooth: Now Fulfilling Its Promise
Bluetooth technology, which now integrates much better with computers, mobile phones and cars, has now become the hit it was hyped to be when first introduced five years ago. Originally it did not live up to the hype; the idea of removing cumbersome wiring was a nice one, but the high cost and difficulty of the new technology almost saw it dismissed at first base.
It's now starting to fulfill the early promises. In Europe it was adopted early, and has become a standard feature on most mobile phones manufactured there; Bluetooth-enabled laptops, keyboard, computer mice and phones have all been introduced in Europe.
Sexy Headsets:
Both T-Mobile and Cingular share technology with their European partners and can therefore offer a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices; providers which are limited to North America, such as Verizon and Sprint, have less Bluetooth technology to offer.
The influence of local and State governments is one factor helping raise the prominence of Bluetooth-enabled devices. There are an increasing number of laws and directives starting to ban the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving; the resulting requirement for hands-free calling will increase the take-up of Bluetooth in the mass market.
Companies such as Acura now offer cars with Bluetooth integrated, which allows the driver to use the car stereo as a speakerphone for making hands-free calls while on the road. Similar Bluetooth kits are also available from Nokia, Motorola, Parrot and others for around $100.
In the early days of Bluetooth, there were problems both with short mobile phone battery life and prohibitive pricing. However a Logitech Bluetooth handset can now be purchased for around $50; the Jabra BT800, available for $140, allowing many cell phone functions to be controlled from a headset, has a six-hour battery life in use, and five days when on standby. It can also be charged via a USB cable to a laptop, and you don't need to carry a cumbersome charger with you. A forthcoming headset manufactured by Plantronics will include adapters which allow it to be charged from most phone chargers or even an AA battery.
Bluetooth Linking:
Bluetooth is now starting to expand its range beyond mobile phones and into other sectors of wireless communication. The technology is now a standard part of Apple computers, although its support with Windows systems is less advanced. Apple uses the most recent, up-to-date Bluetooth, and a Mac can detect Bluetooth enabled devices (such as keyboards and mice) and link to them automatically.
Bluetooth is also well supported by PalmOne, which has software allowing its handheld devices to communicate with Windows laptops via Bluetooth. The Mac PowerBook syncs even better than Windows machines. Despite Microsoft's poor integration of Bluetooth, you can get a Pocket PC to communicate with Windows via Bluetooth, but only if you have a good deal of specific technical know-how.
Bluetooth Worth Waiting For:
There are still limitations to Bluetooth technology. We're still waiting for the day when you can simply go up to a printer with your laptop or PDA and print at the click of a button over a wireless connection. Bluetooth printers are still difficult to find, although the recent introduction of Bluetooth digital cameras may hasten their wider production.
Tecchies can be an impatient group, one which is difficult to please and quick to move onto the newer technology if something which has been well hyped does not deliver. If something doesn't catch on immediately, we've got a tendency to bin it and find the next new big thing on the market. However, the slow acceptance of Bluetooth has shown that sometimes it's worth waiting for a product to iron out its flaws; five years on and it has become an integral, indispensable part of the technological landscape.
