What is bluetooth? Easily explained

Whether on your smartphone, laptop or game console - you will find the "Bluetooth" option everywhere. You can find out exactly what that is and where the radio standard is used in this article.

Bluetooth - what is it?

Bluetooth is a radio standard that is installed in a wide variety of digital devices and enables data transmission over short distances.

• The primary goal of the technology is to replace cable connections between devices. This has great advantages, especially for mobile devices.
• The maximum range varies between 10 and 100 meters depending on the device.
• Bluetooth has been developed and modernized for years. The latest version is Bluetooth 4.2 and is characterized by improved security, a high transmission rate and an energy-saving low energy mode. All versions are compatible with each other.
• With Bluetooth there are different profiles that determine what kind of data can be transmitted. For example, the "HSP" profile enables the use of a headset via Bluetooth. With the "A2DP" profile, however, music can be transferred wirelessly from a cell phone to a loudspeaker.

Where is Bluetooth used?

Bluetooth is used in countless places. Here are a few examples:

• Bluetooth is built into practically every modern cell phone. So you can send files to other mobile phones or to your own computer.
• Many mobile speakers work via Bluetooth. If you connect your smartphone to the speaker, you can transfer your music without any cables.
• It is not uncommon for cars to be equipped with Bluetooth technology. If your own cell phone is in the car, it is automatically connected to the on-board computer so that incoming calls or messages can be displayed directly and answered using the hands-free system.
• Laptops also often have a Bluetooth chip. You can use this to wirelessly connect the mouse and keyboard, for example.

In another article, we explain what the acronym "UMTS" stands for. If you want to find all Bluetooth devices in your area, download the Bluetooth view.