Bluetooth technology allows users to transmit data and voice between 2 or more electronic devices, as long as all devices are within close enough distance. There are several ways to use Bluetooth technology; for example, you can connect or pair a wireless Bluetooth headset to your mobile phone to call while driving or connect a Bluetooth printer to your computer to eliminate excess cables and wires in the office and more. Continue reading this article to learn about the various ways to take advantage of Bluetooth technology.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting Started with Bluetooth
Step 1. Learn what Bluetooth means
It is a wireless connectivity tool that allows devices to be "paired" so that they can interact with each other. For example, it allows you to pair a headset with multiple smartphones, allowing you to talk without touching the phone. You can pair a game controller to your computer or console, without worrying about the cable. You can send music to a Bluetooth-enabled speaker from your smartphone or laptop without having to plug them in or set up a home theater system without running the speaker cable everywhere.
- Bluetooth has a maximum range of 9 meters.
- Bluetooth supports a data transfer rate greater than approximately 24 Mbps.
Step 2. Check if the devices are compatible with Bluetooth technology
It has been on the market for a long time (20 years) and is the market leader in wireless connectivity. A wireless device is most likely equipped with Bluetooth support. The big exception is the desktop computer. While almost all laptops have built-in Bluetooth, most desktops don't include it. You have to buy a specific device if you want to connect your computer to Bluetooth devices.
- Many modern cars now have Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to connect your mobile phone while driving.
- Virtually any smartphone is able to pair with Bluetooth devices.
- Many newer printers are capable of supporting Bluetooth and can print wirelessly throughout the room.
Step 3. Learn the capabilities of your Bluetooth devices
Each Bluetooth device has single or multiple capabilities. For example, some cell phones allow you to use Bluetooth only for making phone calls; others also allow you to transfer files to and from other mobile phones. Each Bluetooth device has slightly different functionality.
Review the manuals or consult the manufacturers of electronic devices to understand how to use Bluetooth technology
Step 4. Pair the Bluetooth devices
To use Bluetooth technology, it is necessary to connect the devices to each other wirelessly, a procedure also known as "pairing". The pairing process varies from device to device, but generally there will be a "listening" device and a secondary device that will be put into pairing mode. For example, if you were to pair a headset with a mobile phone, the phone would be in "listen" mode and the headset in "pairing" mode. The phone should then "discover" the headset in order to establish the connection.
- Follow the instructions provided with the Bluetooth devices to complete the pairing process. In most cases, you will need to go through a series of specific steps that will cause your devices to be paired.
- When pairing between devices, you are usually asked for a PIN before the connection is made. If a PIN has never been set, the default is usually 0000.
- Usually the pairing needs to be done only once. As long as Bluetooth is activated on the devices, future connections will happen automatically.
Part 2 of 2: Uses of Bluetooth Technology
Step 1. Transfer files from device to device
Some Bluetooth devices allow you to transfer files and documents from one device to another. For example, if you want photos a friend took with their Bluetooth camera, they can most likely transfer them directly to your Bluetooth smartphone.
Transfer files between cell phones, cameras and camcorders, computers, televisions, and more
Step 2. Use Bluetooth technology to talk on the phone
Bluetooth headsets can be paired with some landline or mobile phones, allowing you to talk on the phone without having to pick up the handset. In addition, some cars have Bluetooth technology integrated directly into the vehicle.
Step 3. Connect your phone to your computer
The tethering (literally it is the chaining) of a device allows you to share the mobile network connection of your cell phone with your computer. This allows you to browse the internet on your computer without having to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Not all services allow tethering - check with your mobile operator. Sometimes additional expense will be required.
Step 4. Enable the built-in Bluetooth in your car or wear Bluetooth headsets when driving, so you can keep both hands on the wheel
It is forbidden to talk with a mobile phone while driving almost everywhere. Bluetooth will allow you to talk on your cell phone while driving without breaking the law.
Some phones and car stereos will allow you to play music with the car stereo when connected to the mobile phone via Bluetooth
Step 5. Synchronize data between Bluetooth devices
Some devices will allow you to synchronize data such as phone books, emails and calendar events with each other. This can be a great way to sync phone contacts with computer or to transfer data to another phone.
Step 6. Use Bluetooth equipment at home or in the office to get rid of excess cables and wires
Some devices such as headsets, stereos, and printers can be installed in your home or office and function normally without physically connecting to a source or other device. You can place the printer across the room or in another location in the office without having to be connected to the computer with cables and wires.
Step 7. Place the home surround speakers in the living room or in places that can optimize acoustics
This will allow you to reach strategic points where a thread cannot reach. To set up a home theater system with Bluetooth, a Bluetooth-type receiver is required.
Step 8. Use Bluetooth devices that work similar to remote controls
Bluetooth technology can also be used in opening and closing systems, with which you can open your home or car at the push of a button, just like a remote control that can turn off the TV from anywhere in the room.
Step 9. Connect a PlayStation controller to the computer
If your computer can support Bluetooth, you can connect a PlayStation 3 or 4 controller to use a gamepad for your PC games. It is not supported by Sony and requires the use of third party software, but it is relatively easy to set up.
Step 10. Play multiplayer games
Bluetooth allows you to create a local network between two phones, which is a quick and easy way to set up a multiplayer gaming session. While this only works if you are in the same room, it is much more reliable than trying to play on the internet.
